Head of Controlling (F/H) - Sarralbe

Leach International Europe, is looking for a Head of Controlling to join its Sarralbe site and play a key role in driving financial and operational performance.

This is not a traditional reporting role. We are looking for a business-oriented Finance leader who combines strong financial expertise with a hands‑on approach, operational curiosity and a high level of accountability.

The Head of Controlling will be a key partner to the Site Leadership Team, providing clear financial visibility, challenging performance, identifying risks and opportunities, and supporting management in making fast, fact‑based decisions.

In a highly demanding aerospace environment, the role requires a strong focus on EBITDA, cash generation, cost control, productivity and profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Controlling & Performance Management

• Lead the controlling activities for the Sarralbe site.

• Own the monthly financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting processes.

• Provide accurate and timely analysis of actual performance versus budget, forecast and prior year.

• Develop and monitor key financial and operational performance indicators.

• Identify performance gaps, risks and opportunities and translate them into concrete action plans.

• Challenge assumptions and ensure the quality and integrity of financial information.

• Prepare management reviews and performance presentations for Site and Group leadership.

Business Partnering

• Act as a true business partner to the Site Leadership Team, providing financial insight and constructive challenge.

• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Sales and HR to understand business drivers and their financial impact.

• Support operational teams in improving productivity, cost competitiveness and profitability.

• Ensure that financial considerations are embedded in operational decision‑making.

• Bring a strong financial perspective to make the business more transparent, accountable and performance‑driven.

EBITDA, Cost & Cash Discipline

In line with the Leach culture, the Head of Controlling will have a strong focus on value creation and financial ownership.

Key areas include:

• EBITDA performance and margin improvement.

• Direct and indirect cost control.

• Labor productivity and efficiency.

• Material cost and manufacturing variances.

• Overhead management.

• Inventory and working capital.

• Cash generation and cash conversion.

• Capital expenditure and return on investment.

• Identification and execution of cost‑reduction opportunities.

The role will actively challenge performance and ensure that corrective actions are identified, owned and followed through to completion.

Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual operating plan and budget process for the site.

• Coordinate monthly forecasts and long‑range planning.

• Challenge business assumptions and ensure alignment between operational plans and financial objectives.

• Monitor headcount, labor costs, production volumes, pricing, material costs and productivity assumptions.

• Provide management with forward‑looking analysis rather than purely historical reporting.

Industrial & Operational Controlling

• Develop a strong understanding of the site’s industrial processes and economic drivers.

• Analyze production performance, labor efficiency, scrap, overtime, material consumption and manufacturing variances.

• Partner with Operations to identify productivity improvement opportunities.

• Establish clear financial accountability for operational performance.

• Support business cases for industrial investments, make‑or‑buy decisions and productivity initiatives.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with Group financial policies, procedures and internal controls.

• Maintain a robust control environment.

• Support internal and external audits.

• Ensure data quality, consistency and transparency across financial reporting.

• Promote a culture of financial discipline and accountability.

Leadership & Team Development

The Head of Controlling will lead and develop the controlling team, ensuring:

• Clear ownership and accountability.

• High standards of financial accuracy.

• Strong business partnership with operational teams.

• Development of analytical and business capabilities.

• Continuous improvement of controlling processes and tools.

The role requires a leader who is comfortable being hands‑on when required, while also building a high‑performing and autonomous finance organization.

We operate with a strong focus on ownership, accountability, decentralization and value creation.

We expect our leaders to:

• Own the numbers.

• Understand the business behind the numbers.

• Make decisions based on facts and data.

• Challenge performance constructively.

• Move quickly from analysis to action.

• Focus on results rather than process for the sake of process.

• Maintain a strong sense of urgency.

• Protect cash and drive profitable growth.

• Hold themselves and others accountable for commitments.

• Continuously look for opportunities to improve performance.

The successful candidate will therefore be comfortable operating in a demanding environment where financial performance is a shared responsibility across the organization.

Your ProfileYou have a strong background in finance, controlling or industrial finance, ideally acquired in a manufacturing environment.Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Engineering or equivalent.Significant experience in financial controlling, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing environment.Strong understanding of P&L, balance sheet and cash flow.Solid experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.Ability to understand complex operational environments quickly.Experience working directly with Operations and senior management.Strong communication and influencing skills.Ability to challenge business stakeholders while maintaining a constructive relationship.Strong level of autonomy and ownership.Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills.Experience with ERP systems and reporting tools.Fluent English and French.Experience in the aerospace, automotive, industrial or other highly regulated manufacturing environments would be an advantage.What We Are Looking ForMore than a technical controller, we are looking for a performance‑driven Finance leader.You are:Business-minded.Understand that Finance exists to help the business make better decisions and create value.Comfortable going to the shop floor, asking questions and understanding what drives the numbers.Analytical.You are not afraid to question assumptions, challenge performance and raise difficult issues.Accountable.Joining Leach International Europe means joining a leading aerospace organization with the opportunity to work in an international environment while having a direct impact on the performance of the Sarralbe site.The position offers significant exposure to:Senior Site and Group Management.Industrial and operational performance.International Finance teams.Strategic business decisions.Profitability and cash improvement initiatives.Continuous improvement and value creation.This is an opportunity for a Finance professional who wants to move beyond traditional controlling and become a key player in the operational and financial performance of a major aerospace manufacturing site.