At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial performance and reporting for John Lobb's manufacturing operations.
- Company: Join the iconic John Lobb, a leader in luxury menswear with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with autonomy and opportunities for process improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in finance or accounting and experience in industrial management accounting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Reporting to: Head of John Lobb Management & Internal Control, based in Paris
Business Partner: Industrial, Innovation & CSR Director
Responsible for: 1 Management Controller assistant, based in Northampton
Overall Objective, Nature and Scope
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 – the role is based in Northampton, while the broader Finance team sits in Paris – 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‑knitted, 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 - both based in Paris - 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 (2 people) based in the same Northampton office - building a strong and effective working relationship with this team will be key to success in the role.
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, and conduct a comprehensive review of costs (labour, raw materials, equipment, etc.), providing clear explanations, ensuring the accuracy of financial records, and delivering variance analyses against budget and prior‑year data. Supply the Head of Management Control with the information required to complete the consolidated financial close. Oversee stock valuation and the calculation of stock provisions.
- 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, covering P&L (sales, costs and margins) and Capex. Partner closely with the Industrial Director to build the budget, translating operational decisions – such as recruitment, supplier changes or product mix shifts – into meaningful financial assumptions.
- Industrial Cost Pricing: Calculate and maintain standard industrial costs at article level. Review and validate bill of material (BOM) accuracy. Carry out costing exercises to support pricing decisions for future collections.
- Reporting, KPI and dashboards: Prepare and manage reporting packs covering production volumes, invoicing levels, productivity ratios and order intake, proactively suggesting enhancements where relevant.
- CAPEX: Track spend against budget and elevate any overspend risk promptly. Challenge the rationale behind investment requests. Review and oversee the bidding process.
- 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 across procurement, security & CSR, stock management and HR. Conduct regular and ad hoc checks to verify adherence to existing procedures. Define and oversee the annual Internal Control plan for the manufacturing operations of John Lobb in Northampton. Organise and lead stock‑takes, providing recommendations to drive continuous improvement.
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 (a background in the shoe industry is an advantage, though by no means essential). Familiarity with M3 is an advantage.
Skills & Personal Attributes: Strong analytical rigour, with the ability to deliver clear and reliable outputs to the central Finance team. A proactive mindset – there is real scope to improve existing analyses and processes, and the right candidate will relish that challenge. Highly organised, with the ability to manage shifting priorities without losing sight of tight deadlines. A natural collaborator, comfortable working across functions and translating operational realities into financial terms. Self‑motivated and able to bring others along – including operational teams who may not always prioritise data requests. Confident with IT systems and financial tools. Comfortable delegating, setting clear expectations, and providing constructive feedback to their direct report. Comfortable being based full‑time in Northampton, with occasional travel (to Paris and other Group or Suppliers’ sites).
Financial Controller - John Lobb in Northampton employer: John Lobb
John Lobb is an exceptional employer that values craftsmanship, innovation, and a close-knit work culture. Located in Northampton, the company offers a unique opportunity for professional growth within the luxury menswear sector, providing employees with autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on financial operations. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive environment, John Lobb fosters collaboration and encourages continuous improvement among its dedicated team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - John Lobb in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to John Lobb. Attend events or join online forums where you can chat with current employees or alumni. A friendly introduction can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into John Lobb's values and recent projects. Show that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their craftsmanship and innovation. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in financial management and how it aligns with John Lobb’s goals. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re keen and professional, which is always a plus!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - John Lobb in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Financial Controller role. Highlight your analytical skills 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 express your passion for John Lobb and how your proactive mindset can contribute to the team. Don’t forget to mention your ability to collaborate across functions and improve processes.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your strong analytical rigour. Provide examples of how you've delivered clear and reliable financial outputs in previous roles, as this is key for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining the John Lobb family!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lobb
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key financial metrics and concepts relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would analyse sales performance, margins, and costs. Showing that you can speak the language of finance will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with John Lobb's heritage and craftsmanship. Knowing the brand's history and values will help you connect your answers to their ethos. This shows genuine interest and helps you align your analytical skills with their commitment to quality.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or improve processes. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully implemented changes or solved problems. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and analytical drive.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, be ready to discuss how you’ve worked cross-functionally in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with non-financial stakeholders, as this is crucial for translating operational realities into financial terms.
