At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive performance and influence decisions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading global bakery group with a passionate team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-paced team where your insights drive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning data into actionable insights.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Have an appetite for more? Join a leading global bakery group powered by ambitious people that are truly passionate about delivering the best in everything they do. With business in mind and people at heart we always work together to influence our road ahead. We want you to be part of our growth journey and of a great, global family.
Reporting to: Head of Controlling
The Opportunity
We’re looking for an ambitious Operations Controller to play a pivotal role at the heart of our manufacturing operation. This isn’t a passive reporting role—you’ll be a hands‑on finance leader, partnering directly with the Site General Manager and cross‑functional teams to drive performance, challenge thinking, and turn data into action. You’ll combine deep analytical capability with the ability to build trusted stakeholder relationships, acting as a true co‑pilot to the business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own the Numbers – and the Story Behind Them
- Lead the end-to-end standard costing and budgeting cycle, bringing clarity to material movements and performance trends.
- Deliver robust variance analysis, identifying root causes and translating insight into tangible corrective actions.
- Take ownership of month‑end reporting and performance commentary, ensuring accuracy and commercial relevance.
- Build and enhance Excel models and BI tools to improve visibility on cost, waste and operational efficiency.
- Be a True Business Partner
- Act as a trusted advisor to operations, supporting delivery of site performance targets.
- Work cross‑functionally with commercial, NPD and operations teams, connecting financial insight to business decisions.
- Bridge the gap between finance and the wider business—ensuring financial data is understood, challenged and acted upon.
- Influence stakeholders at all levels, balancing challenge with collaboration.
- Drive Continuous Improvement
- Champion a proactive, insight‑led approach to performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting and decision‑making.
- Support strategic and ad‑hoc projects that enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, manufacturing environment and enjoys being close to the action.
You’ll Bring
- A hands‑on, analytical mindset—you’re comfortable getting into the detail and questioning the numbers.
- Proven experience in operations finance within FMCG or manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of standard costing and variance analysis.
- The ability to translate data into meaningful insight that drives decisions.
- Advanced Excel skills, with experience building models or dashboards (Power BI a bonus).
Equally Important
- Confident stakeholder management skills—you can influence, challenge and build credibility quickly.
- Experience working in a business partnering role, supporting operational teams.
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with the resilience to meet deadlines.
- Strong communication skills—you can simplify complex financial information for non‑finance audiences.
Why This Role Stands Out
- You’ll be embedded in the business, not sitting on the sidelines.
- You’ll have real influence over operational performance and decision‑making.
- You’ll combine technical finance expertise with commercial impact.
- You’ll work in an environment where your insight drives change.
If you’re looking for a role where you can roll up your sleeves, challenge the status quo, and make a measurable impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Operations Controller - Finance Business Partner in Bedford employer: Lantmännen Group
Join a dynamic global bakery group that values ambition and passion, where you will play a crucial role in driving operational performance as an Operations Controller. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and offers ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and impactful. Located in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, you'll be part of a supportive team that encourages innovation and values your insights.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Controller - Finance Business Partner in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will help you demonstrate your hands-on approach and analytical mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our global family.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Controller - Finance Business Partner in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about joining our global bakery family and contributing to our growth journey.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in operations finance and business partnering. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your analytical mindset and stakeholder management abilities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Operations Controller role. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven performance and improved processes in previous roles—it’ll make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lantmännen Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Controller, you'll need to own the numbers and the story behind them. Brush up on your financial metrics, standard costing, and variance analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Show Your Business Partnering Skills
This role is all about collaboration. Prepare examples of how you've worked cross-functionally with teams to influence performance. Highlight your experience in building relationships and how you've simplified complex financial information for non-finance audiences.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The company values a proactive approach to performance. Think of specific instances where you've identified opportunities for process improvements or enhanced operational efficiency. Be ready to share your insights on how you can contribute to their growth journey.
✨Excel and BI Tools Proficiency
Advanced Excel skills are a must, so be prepared to discuss your experience with building models or dashboards. If you have experience with Power BI, mention it! You might even want to bring a sample of your work to showcase your capabilities.
