At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial performance and improve processes in luxury menswear manufacturing.
- Company: Join John Lobb, a prestigious name in luxury fashion.
- Benefits: Autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic finance team during an exciting transformation.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in finance/accounting and experience in industrial management accounting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Industrial Management & Internal Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial performance of John Lobb's manufacturing operations in Northampton. The role involves delivering accurate and reliable financial reporting, complementing quantitative analysis with qualitative insight gathered from operational teams, and proactively identifying opportunities for improvement. The postholder will also be responsible for maintaining and strengthening Internal Control standards across relevant Group processes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly analytical individual who is keen to play a meaningful part in the development of the finance function within one of the most iconic names in luxury menswear. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy and will be confident engaging with operational and industrial stakeholders on financial matters. A proactive mindset and a genuine appetite for improving processes and deepening analytical frameworks are essential.
John Lobb's Finance team is going through an exciting period of change, with a new CFO and Head of Management & Internal Control recently on board, raising the bar on financial rigour and commercial awareness. The team is looking forward to welcoming their new Industrial Management & Internal Controller and will offer real autonomy and flexibility in return for energy, commitment, and a genuine desire to make an impact.
Although John Lobb is wholly owned by one of the world's leading luxury groups, it operates as a close‑knit, entrepreneurial business where cross‑functional communication, initiative, and analytical drive are absolute must‑haves in this role. The role reports to the Head of Management & Internal Control and maintains close working relationships with the CFO, as well as with the Industrial Director in Northampton, a fellow member of the John Lobb Executive Committee. The postholder will serve as the Industrial Director's primary Finance business partner, working alongside them on a regular basis. They will also line‑manage an Assistant Management Controller who brings strong operational knowledge of the production environment, supporting and developing them on financial matters. Finally, the postholder will work in close day‑to‑day collaboration with the Accounting team based in the same Northampton office.
The role is predominantly based on‑site in Northampton, with occasional travel as required.
Main Activities
- Management Account Financial Closing: Analyse sales performance and margins, conduct a comprehensive review of costs (labour, raw materials, equipment, etc.), ensuring the accuracy of financial records, and delivering variance analyses against budget and prior‑year data.
- Budget, Re‑estimates, 3‑year plan: Lead the budgeting process for the manufacturing operations of John Lobb in Northampton, in close coordination with the Paris global finance team.
- Industrial Cost Pricing: Calculate and maintain standard industrial costs at article level. Review and validate bill of material (BOM) accuracy.
- Reporting, KPI and dashboards: Prepare and manage reporting packs covering production volumes, invoicing levels, productivity ratios and order intake.
- CAPE: Track spend against budget and escalate any overspend risk promptly.
- Internal Control: Foster a culture of internal control across the entity. Monitor the creation and updating of internal procedures to ensure compliance with Group and legal requirements.
Person Specification
- Education & Experience: Master's degree from a university or business school, with a finance or accounting background. Proven experience in industrial management accounting.
- Skills & Personal Attributes: Strong analytical rigour, proactive mindset, highly organised, natural collaborator, self‑motivated, confident with IT systems and financial tools.
Industrial Finance Controller – Northampton employer: Hermès
John Lobb is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Industrial Finance Controller to thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment in Northampton. With a strong emphasis on autonomy and collaboration, employees benefit from a close-knit culture that encourages initiative and analytical thinking, while also providing opportunities for professional growth within the luxury menswear sector. The company's commitment to internal control and process improvement ensures that team members can make a meaningful impact, all while being part of a prestigious brand backed by a leading luxury group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Finance Controller – Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to John Lobb. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and show off your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into John Lobb's values and recent developments. Be ready to discuss how your analytical skills can contribute to their financial performance and internal control standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your proactive mindset! During interviews, share examples of how you've improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you're not just about numbers but also about making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the John Lobb team.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Finance Controller – Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Industrial Finance Controller role. Highlight your analytical abilities and any relevant experience in industrial management accounting, especially if you have a background in the shoe industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at John Lobb and how your proactive mindset can contribute to improving processes. Don’t forget to mention your ability to work autonomously while collaborating with teams across functions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical rigour, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully delivered clear and reliable financial outputs in previous positions. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hermès
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial metrics and analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed budgets, conducted variance analyses, and improved financial processes. This role is all about numbers, so showing your analytical prowess will definitely impress.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with John Lobb's operations and the luxury menswear market. Knowing how manufacturing impacts financial performance will help you engage effectively with the Industrial Director and operational teams. Show that you can translate operational decisions into financial insights.
✨Show Your Proactive Mindset
This role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement. Prepare examples of how you've taken initiative in past roles to enhance processes or reporting. Highlighting your ability to drive change will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Since collaboration is key, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work across functions. Share experiences where you've successfully partnered with other teams, especially in finance or operations. Emphasising your collaborative spirit will show you're a great fit for their close-knit environment.
