Plant Controller

BE - Ardo Headquarters

Finance

Permanent contract

Ardo is an internationally growing family-owned company with expertise in frozen vegetables, herbs, and fruit. With more than 3,200 colleagues across 16 production, packaging, and distribution sites in 7 countries, we deliver high-quality plant-based products to customers in over 100 countries every day.

Our greatest strength? Our people. Every day, our colleagues bring passion, craftsmanship, and an entrepreneurial mindset to help bring the very best of nature to millions of consumers. Whether you work in production, logistics, engineering, sales, marketing, or a support function, everyone contributes to the same goal. We share a passion for our customers and for quality, driven by results, and each of us plays a part in making a difference.

By managing the entire value chain, from seed selection and cultivation to processing, packaging, distribution, quality, innovation, and flexibility are at the heart of everything we do. This enables us to respond quickly to emerging trends and the evolving needs of our customers.

Sustainability is not an ambition for tomorrow, it is a responsibility we embrace today. We continuously invest in sustainable farming practices, energy-efficient processes, and strong, long-term partnerships with growers, suppliers, and customers. Together, we are building a healthier future for our planet and for generations to come.

Working at Ardo means being part of an international family where collaboration, respect, commitment, and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. It is a place where your talent is valued, where you can grow and develop, and where you help preserve the best of nature every single day.

Here’s what you’ll do:

As a Plant Controller, you act as a strategic business partner to both the plant organization and the Finance team. You play a key role in monitoring and enhancing the site's financial and operational performance.

Through in-depth analyses, insightful recommendations, and a proactive approach, you support management in both strategic and operational decision-making. You work closely with the Plant Director and report directly to the Finance Manager Belgium.

We are looking for an experienced professional with the following qualifications:

• Act as the financial business partner for the plant organization and management team.

• Proactively monitor and analyze operational and financial performance, including:

• Operational KPIs;

• Financial results (analysis versus budget and prior year);

• Inventory levels and inventory valuation;

• Capital expenditures and CAPEX tracking;

• Other key performance indicators and metrics;

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

• Actively contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes.

• Take ownership of product cost calculations and costing methodologies.

• Optimize and further professionalize reporting and controlling processes.

• Conduct in-depth ad hoc analyses and prepare business cases to support strategic decision-making.

• Prepare, challenge, and present Monthly and Quarterly Business Reviews

This is where you recognize yourself:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in controlling or finance, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial environment

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear and actionable insights

• Excellent knowledge of Excel and experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP, although this is not a requirement)

• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost controlling

• Fluent in Dutch and English

• A critical, independent, and solution-oriented mindset

• Strong communication and influencing skills

• Accurate, structured, and self-driven way of working

• A team player with a mature and professional attitude

• You embody Ardo’s core values by being customer-focused, taking ownership, acting with passion, and leading with authenticity

• You speak Dutch fluently and have a good knowledge of English, French is a plus

What’s in it for you?

We offer you the opportunity to be part of an authentic and sustainable international company, with real growth opportunities and the freedom to actively participate in shaping the business and the opportunity to develop professionally.

You will receive a full remuneration package in line with the level of this position.

We care for our people and create family-friendly surroundings by offering the flexibility to work 2 days/week from home.