We are delighted to be supporting a global FMCG business with a large site based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire who are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Plant Controller.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working closely with operational teams and influencing decisions that make a real difference. As a trusted partner to the Plant Manager and site leadership team, you'll provide valuable financial insight, identify opportunities for improvement, and help drive performance across the business.
You'll be highly visible within the organisation, working across Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement and Finance to ensure the team understand not just what is happening, but why, and what they need to do next.
Key responsibilities include:
- Working closely with the Plant Manager and leadership team to support business performance.
- Providing meaningful financial analysis, challenge and recommendations.
- Helping operational teams understand the financial impact of key performance indicators and business decisions.
- Identifying risks and opportunities and supporting the development of practical action plans.
- Encouraging a culture of financial awareness, accountability and continuous improvement.
Reporting and Performance Analysis
You'll take ownership of plant performance reporting and help turn data into actionable insight.
This includes:
- Producing weekly and monthly financial and operational performance reports.
- Monitoring manufacturing costs across materials, labour, energy, maintenance, logistics and overheads.
- Analysing productivity, yield, labour efficiency, scrap, spoilage and overall manufacturing performance.
- Delivering insightful variance analysis against budget, forecast and prior year performance.
Financial Control and Month-End Activities
- Supporting the month-end close process for the manufacturing site.
- Preparing and reviewing accruals, provisions and journal entries.
- Reconciling operational data with financial results and investigating significant variances.
- Maintaining strong financial controls and supporting audit requirements.
Product Costing and Inventory Management
- Maintaining and reviewing standard product costs.
- Supporting the costing of new products, process improvements and engineering changes.
- Analysing cost variances and working with operational teams to understand and address root causes.
- Providing financial oversight of inventory and stock control processes.
- Monitoring working capital, inventory levels and obsolescence risks.
Driving Improvement
We're looking for someone who enjoys identifying opportunities and helping turn ideas into results.
You'll:
- Support cost-saving and efficiency initiatives across the site.
- Financially validate improvement projects and track delivery of benefits.
- Work alongside operational teams to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimise performance.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strong financial expertise with a collaborative approach and a genuine interest in manufacturing operations.
You'll likely bring:
- Experience in a manufacturing finance, plant controlling or operational finance role.
- A strong understanding of standard costing, inventory management and manufacturing performance metrics.
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to turn complex data into clear recommendations.
- The confidence to challenge constructively and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working with ERP systems and manufacturing reporting tools.
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is preferred.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to be part of a leadership team where your contribution will be seen, valued and acted upon.
You'll have the chance to:
- Play a key role in shaping site performance.
- Partner directly with operational leaders.
- Drive meaningful cost and efficiency improvements.
- Work in a collaborative environment where continuous improvement is genuinely encouraged.
- Make a visible impact on the success of the business.
Interested? If you're looking for a role where you can combine financial expertise with operational influence and make a real difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and join us in helping drive the future success of the Peterborough manufacturing operation.
Plant Controller in Peterborough employer: Broster Buchanan Careers
Broster Buchanan offers an exceptional work environment for an Azure Infrastructure Engineer, providing the opportunity to be part of a global automotive brand during a transformative period. With a hybrid work model based in vibrant central Birmingham, employees benefit from a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth through exciting new projects. Join a team where your expertise will be valued, and your contributions will directly impact the future of the company's IT infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Controller in Peterborough
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Broster Buchanan Careers, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Plant Controller at Broster Buchanan Careers.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Broster Buchanan Careers
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
