Maison Margiela Business Controller - Product Operations

Maison Margiela is a Paris‑based fashion house founded in 1988. The company is part of OTB and continues to innovate in high‑end fashion.

Position: Business Controller – Product Flow Governance

The role combines operational controlling and product flow governance to deepen operational controlling capabilities and build closer alignment between Finance and business functions at HQ.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight of HQ Product Flows
• Supervise all garment movement flows within HQ, including extraordinary movements (press gifts, loans, archive transfers).
• Monitor and maintain correct application of operating procedures across all functions.
• Ensure all operational transactions are recorded in the relevant accounting warehouses and systems.
• Maintain alignment with Logistics at each checkpoint during internal transfers between functions.
• Inventory Control & Stock Monitoring
• Track sample collection production orders versus budget by destination and entity.
• Monitor stock levels and flag discrepancies between physical and accounting positions promptly.
• Define and coordinate periodic physical inventory counts across HQ functions with Logistics.
• Identify and investigate inventory variances, analyse root causes, and drive corrective actions.
• Process Improvement & Internal Controls
• Identify operational anomalies and risk areas across HQ flows, and provide recommendations.
• Lead diagnostic analyses on operational processes of teams involved (Logistics, Merchandising, Showroom, Press Office, Studio).
• Propose and support implementation of process improvements and stronger internal control frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with agreed procedures and promote accountability.
• Reporting & Controlling Support
• Produce dashboards and KPIs providing visibility on HQ product movement and inventory status.
• Prepare reliable, timely financial and operational reports for stakeholders.
• Translate operational findings into financial impact assessments to support decision‑making.
• Contribute to the evolution of controlling toward a process‑oriented, risk‑prevention approach.
• Financial Planning & Business Partnering
• Support budget, forecast and business plan preparation for selected HQ functions.
• Monitor departmental costs and analyse variances against budget.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to operational stakeholders.
• Participate in ad‑hoc analyses and cross‑functional projects supporting management decision‑making.
• Act as a business partner between Finance and operational teams within scope.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in Finance, Controlling, Audit, or Economics (e.g. ESC, MSG, MSTCF, or equivalent).
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in controlling, inventory management, operational finance, or business partnering, with strong exposure to stock governance and warehouse processes.
• Background in internal audit within luxury groups, operational audit advisory (Big Four), or supply‑chain controlling.
• Additional experience in internal audit or operational consulting is advantageous.
• Experience in fashion or luxury sector preferred.
• Strong operational mindset: comfortable working on the ground, not just from behind a desk.
• Cross‑functional credibility and interpersonal skills to coordinate and challenge teams at all levels.
• Perceived as a facilitator rather than a “controller” – builds relationships and earns authority through competence.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel; knowledge of an ERP (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) is a plus.
• Proactive, rigorous, and results‑oriented; able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, demanding environment.
• Fluency in French and English mandatory; Italian an advantage.

Compensation

Annual gross compensation ranging from €50,000 to €60,000, depending on profile and experience.

Profit‑sharing and incentive bonuses based on company performance, plus other group benefits.