At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a trusted advisor, providing financial insights to drive growth and efficiency.
- Company: Join Sulzer, a leading engineering company with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Modern workspace, flexible working options, and a vibrant community culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while influencing key business decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong commercial acumen, and advanced SAP knowledge required.
Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
About the role
Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, specialising in advanced pump design and manufacturing. From energy and water to chemicals and industrial markets, we support critical infrastructure and essential industries worldwide. With over 13,500 employees globally, a CHF 3.5 billion turnover, and shares listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange, Sulzer combines global scale with local expertise. Our Leeds facility sits at the heart of our engineering excellence delivering complex, high-value solutions to customers across the UK and beyond.
We are looking for a commercially astute Business Controller to join our Leeds operation. This is not a traditional reporting role; we need a true finance business partner—someone who will sit alongside senior stakeholders, challenge thinking, influence decisions and actively shape the commercial and operational performance of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing strategic and operational decisions
- Provide clear, actionable financial insights to drive profitability, efficiency and growth
- Partner closely with operations, sales, and engineering to support large, complex projects
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes
- Analyse order intake, margins, cost structures, and working capital performance
- Identify risks and opportunities, ensuring robust financial control
- Drive continuous improvement across finance systems and processes
- Support investment decisions and business cases
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Business Controller / Finance Business Partner in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong commercial acumen with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders
- Experience supporting high-value, complex operations
- Advanced knowledge of SAP and strong data analysis capability
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- A proactive, hands-on mindset with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically
What we offer you
We’ve recently invested significantly in modernising our Leeds facility — creating a brighter, more efficient, and more advanced workspace designed to support high‑quality work and a great employee experience. Alongside our upgraded facilities, you’ll benefit from:
Core Benefits
- A competitive salary
- Annual bonus scheme linked to personal and company performance
- Private medical insurance (individual cover through Aviva)
- 33 days’ holiday
- Defined pension contribution
- Employee Assistance Programmes
- Discounts on shopping, entertainment & lifestyle
- Costco membership option
- Discounted personal car leasing for you, family & friends
- Long Service Awards
- Ongoing learning through Sulzer Learning Pathways
- Armed Forces Support – As a Silver Award holder of the MoD Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively support veterans, reservists and Cadet Adult Volunteers. This includes policies that enable time for training, camps and deployment, alongside access to a growing internal military network.
Onsite Perks
- Free, secure parking with EV charging
- Multi-faith prayer room
- Newly modernised work areas
- Lively Sports & Social Club with events & prize draws
- 24/7 onsite gym
- Subsidised vending machines
- Subsidised Canteen offering hot and cold food
Working Pattern
Due to the nature of the role, regular onsite presence in Leeds is required. That said, we take a mature and flexible approach to ways of working, recognising the importance of balance and autonomy. Occasional home working can therefore be supported where appropriate, although this is not a fully hybrid role. We also offer a flexi-time policy, enabling you to bank hours and take service leave, supporting a fair and balanced approach to working life.
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.
Business Controller employer: Sulzer
Sulzer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits, and a modernised workspace, we empower our team to thrive while contributing to sustainable solutions across critical industries. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your expertise and encourages meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Sulzer. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Sulzer.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Sulzer's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sulzer
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Sulzer.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Sulzer will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Sulzer employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
