At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and drive operational efficiency in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with continuous improvement and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing decisions and driving change in operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
- 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. We will interview ongoing so please don’t hesitate to send your application by submitting your CV and motivational letter no later than insert date. All applications must be completed in English and will be treated confidentially.
Operations Controller - Finance Business Partner in Wallis employer: Lantmännen Unibake
Join a dynamic and innovative manufacturing environment where your role as an Operations Controller will not only challenge you but also empower you to make a significant impact on operational performance. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values continuous improvement and professional growth, offering you the opportunity to develop your skills while working closely with cross-functional teams. With a focus on hands-on leadership and strategic influence, this position provides a unique chance to drive meaningful change and contribute to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Controller - Finance Business Partner in Wallis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operations finance. Think about how your analytical skills can drive performance and be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Excel and BI skills during interviews. Bring along examples of models or dashboards you've created, and be ready to discuss how they improved operational efficiency or decision-making in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Controller - Finance Business Partner in Wallis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Controller role. Highlight your hands-on finance experience and any relevant achievements in operations finance to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and influenced stakeholders in previous roles—make it personal and engaging!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, don’t shy away from showcasing your Excel skills and any experience with BI tools. We want to see how you’ve turned data into actionable insights in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lantmännen Unibake
✨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.
✨Build Relationships
This role is all about being a true business partner. Think about examples where you've influenced stakeholders or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Show that you can simplify complex financial information for non-finance audiences.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical mindset. Bring examples of how you've identified performance trends or improved processes in previous positions. Highlight your advanced Excel skills and any experience with BI tools like Power BI.
✨Embrace Continuous Improvement
The company values a proactive approach to performance. Be ready to discuss how you've championed continuous improvement initiatives in the past. Think of specific projects where your insights led to operational efficiency or profitability gains.
