At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial activities and support decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading company in the medical device sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with potential for remote work one day a week.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial efficiency and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in manufacturing finance and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
As UK Plant Controller, you will be responsible for leading plant-level controlling activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, operational visibility, and strong financial support for manufacturing operations in the UK facility. You will act as a key business partner to plant leadership and global finance teams, supporting decision-making through robust financial analysis, cost control, forecasting, and manufacturing performance monitoring. This role requires strong expertise in standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, and operational finance within a manufacturing environment. You will play an important role in driving financial discipline, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with corporate policies and reporting requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead plant controlling activities for the UK manufacturing entity in collaboration with local and global finance teams
- Ensure accurate monthly financial reporting in line with corporate deadlines and group accounting policies
- Monitor plant financial performance, identifying risks, trends, and improvement opportunities
- Coordinate budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes for the plant
- Maintain and manage standard costing structures aligned with operational realities
- Analyze manufacturing variances (labor, material, overhead, scrap, efficiency) and drive corrective actions
- Partner with plant leadership, supply chain, procurement, and operations teams to support decision-making
- Support product costing, inventory valuation, and ensure financial control and reporting integrity
- Develop financial reporting, KPIs, dashboards, and improve visibility across manufacturing performance
- Support ERP evolution and drive standardization, automation, and process improvements
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant either CIMA or similar qualification
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field
- Experience in finance, controlling, or plant finance within a manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, and inventory accounting
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes
- Strong Excel and ERP system skills (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work cross-functionally with operational stakeholders
- Professional-level English required
- Experience in Medical Device, Healthcare, or regulated manufacturing preferred
- Familiarity with Power BI or similar reporting tools is a plus
- Experience with continuous improvement or operational excellence initiatives preferred
- Regular on-site presence required for collaboration with plant leadership and operations teams; could work remotely 1 day per week
Plant Controller employer: Physiol
As a leading employer in the manufacturing sector, our company offers a dynamic work environment where financial expertise meets operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that our team members thrive both professionally and personally. Located in the UK, our facility fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially around standard costing and variance analysis. Show us you can think on your feet and provide real-world examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Plant Controller position!
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Plant Controller role. Highlight your expertise in standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, and any relevant financial reporting experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how your background in finance and manufacturing aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, make sure to include examples of how you've used your analytical skills in past roles. Whether it's budgeting, forecasting, or driving improvements, we want to see your problem-solving prowess!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Physiol
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Plant Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to manufacturing, such as standard costing and variance analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles to drive operational efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
This role requires collaboration with various teams, so highlight your experience working with plant leadership, supply chain, and procurement. Prepare examples of how you've partnered with different departments to support decision-making and improve financial performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in budgeting or forecasting and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since strong ERP skills are crucial for this position, make sure you're comfortable discussing your experience with systems like SAP or Oracle. If you have experience with Power BI or similar tools, be prepared to explain how you've used them to enhance financial reporting and visibility.
