Finance Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly driven and operationally focused Finance Manager to lead the finance function within a automotive environment.

This role goes beyond traditional finance and acts as a key business partner to operations, driving cost efficiency, operational performance, and profitability across manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Partnering & Operational Finance

• Translate operational KPIs into financial performance drivers

• Monitor and challenge key metrics

• Drive operational efficiency initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, continuous improvement)

• Support decision-making on:

  • Make vs. Buy strategies
  • Capacity optimization & footprint decisions
  • Capex investments and ROI

2. Cost Control & Profitability Management

• Lead standard costing processes and ensure cost accuracy across plants
• Perform deep-dive variance analysis (material, labor, overhead)
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive execution with operations
• Ensure profitability at product, customer, and plant level
• Support quoting processes and validate cost assumptions for new business

3. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes
• Align financial planning with operational capacity and demand scenarios
• Provide actionable insights on performance gaps and improvement levers
• Develop robust financial models to support strategic decisions

4. Capex & Investment Control

• Evaluate and challenge investment proposals (production lines, automation, tooling)
• Ensure strong ROI discipline and post-investment tracking
• Partner with engineering and operations on industrial strategy

5. Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Drive improvements in working capital (inventory, receivables, payables)
• Optimize inventory levels in coordination with supply chain
• Ensure strong cash flow visibility and forecasting

6. Governance, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate, transparent, and timely financial reporting to Group
• Manage monthly closing, reporting packages, and variance explanations
• Maintain strong internal controls and compliance with group policies
• Act as key interface with global finance teams and auditors

Key Requirements

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA/CPA is a plus)
• 10+ years of experience in finance leadership roles within Automotive Tier 1 / manufacturing
• Strong experience in plant controlling / operational finance
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and cost structures
• Proven track record in cost optimization and operational improvement
• Experience working in an international environment with global reporting lines
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills

Success Indicators

• Improved plant profitability and cost structure
• Increased transparency of operational performance drivers
• Strong alignment between finance and operations
• Accurate and timely reporting to Group
• Measurable impact on efficiency and cash flow