Head of Finance – Manufacturing Plant

Join an international industrial group and lead a major finance transformation

Our client is a leading international manufacturing group supplying highly regulated industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and consumer goods. Operating in a stable and growing market, the company combines strong operational performance with ambitious transformation projects and offers genuine long-term career opportunities within an international environment. As part of the site's leadership team, we are recruiting a Head of Finance who will combine operational finance leadership with the deployment of a major ERP transformation program. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future finance organisation of a manufacturing site while partnering closely with Operations and driving business performance.

The Role:

Reporting directly to the VP Finance and in close collaboration with the Plant Manager, you will lead all finance, administration and local IT activities while acting as a trusted business partner to the site leadership team.

Alongside the traditional responsibilities of a Plant Finance Director, your first priority will be to lead the local implementation of a Group-wide SAP ERP solution, ensuring that business processes, data quality and cross-functional collaboration are fully aligned for a successful deployment.

This position offers the opportunity to make a visible impact across the entire organization.

Key Responsibilities :

Finance Leadership

• Lead the Finance, Administration and local IT functions.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, monthly reporting and financial closing.
• Monitor operational performance through KPI analysis and plant controlling.
• Drive profitability and cash flow improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls and audit requirements.
• Prepare investment business cases and support strategic decision‑making.
• Lead and develop the local Finance & Administration team.

Business Partnering

• Act as a strategic partner to the Plant Manager and leadership team.
• Support operational decision-making through financial analysis.
• Challenge performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Purchasing and Group functions.

ERP Transformation

The implementation of SAP will represent the main focus of the role during the initial phase.

You will:

• Drive the successful local deployment of the Group ERP solution. Drive the successful local deployment of the Group ERP solution.
• Coordinate cross-functional implementation activities.
• Review, document and standardise business processes across the organisation.
• Drive change management and user adoption.
• Ensure data integrity and process readiness ahead of go-live.
• Work closely with experienced Group project teams throughout the implementation.

Candidate Profile :

We are looking for an experienced industrial finance professional who combines strong operational finance expertise with project leadership capabilities.

You will ideally have:

• Several years of experience in a senior finance leadership role within manufacturing.
• Experience as Finance Director, Head of Finance or Senior Plant Controller.
• Previous involvement in ERP implementation projects (SAP experience is highly desirable).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing finance and operational controlling.
• Experience improving and implementing business processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organisation.
• A structured, hands‑on and pragmatic approach, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational execution.

Why Apply?:

• Join a financially stable international manufacturing group.
• Take ownership of a high‑profile finance transformation programme.
• Work alongside an experienced leadership team.
• Enjoy real opportunities for career progression within an international organisation.
• Make a tangible impact on business performance through finance and operational excellence.