Finance Business Partner UK in Banbury

At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Finance Business Partner serves as the strategic financial leader on site, acting as the “financial eyes” for both the CSD (Customer Supply & Development) and Finance organization. This role drives business performance by delivering clear financial insights, supporting strategic decision-making, and enabling the site to achieve its long-term objectives. You will act as a critical link between finance and operational teams, ensuring financial considerations are embedded in all major decisions. Through strong collaboration and analytical expertise, you will support sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and strategic advancement across the site. The role requires being on-site full-time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee Financial Performance: Analyze, interpret, and manage financial and business performance, focusing on material variance analysis (absorption loss, scrap, rework, raw material yield). Manage the financial budget and rolling forecast for the plant. Proactively provide financial insights on efficiency improvements, cost savings, expansion projects, footprint studies, and other potential projects.
• Manage Costs and Pricing: Monitor and control manufacturing costs, including raw materials, labor, and overheads. Collaborate with the pricing department to establish product pricing based on cost analysis. Set standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Reporting and Compliance: Prepare financial reports detailing manufacturing performance. Participate in developing and maintaining financial dashboards and KPIs. Manage internal and external audits and ensure adherence to internal controls in cost reporting and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Optimize Processes and Advise Management: Manage inventory, spare parts, CAPEX, NRV provision, and accounts payable to optimize cash flow. Prepare and submit capital expenditure requests. Advise the Plant Manager and Operations Management team on short and long-term decision-making.
• Functional Excellence Responsibilities: Contribute to broader regional and global finance projects and programs. Act as an SME, taking responsibility for coaching, mentoring, and development.

ABOUT YOU:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• 4+ years’ experience as a Factory Controller or similar role.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of local laws, regulations, procedures, and standards.
• Working and being engaged in a TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), IWS (Integrated Work Systems) or WCMS (World Class Manufacturing System) environment will be an asset.
• Understanding of High Performing Organization principles.
• Solid experience in project/program management.
• Solid knowledge of lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and supply chain business partnering, controlling, and reporting.
• Proficiency in SAP, Excel, and Power BI.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 systems, such as MES (Manufacturing Execution System).
• Ability to quickly gain knowledge in advanced analytics and data mining.