Production Controller

Production & Operations Controller

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Production & Operations Controller to act as the key financial partner between our manufacturing operations and management. In this role, you will bridge the gap between production data and financial performance — creating transparency around costs, driving investment decisions, and enabling data-driven operational improvements.

Your Responsibilities

Costing & Profitability

• Perform pre-calculation (bid costing) and post-calculation (actual costing) analyses for products and projects
• Determine and maintain machine and labor hour rates (Stundensatz) used across costing models
• Conduct inventory valuation and ensure accuracy of standard costs
• Analyze cost variances between planned, budgeted, and actual figures, identifying root causes and improvement levers

Investment & Capital Planning

• Prepare CAPEX forecasts and lead investment analyses for new equipment, capacity expansion, and efficiency projects
• Support profitability assessments (ROI, payback, NPV) for capital expenditure decisions
• Track and report on investment project performance post-implementation

Operational Performance & Reporting

• Analyze production performance, machine utilization (OEE), and resource planning (MRP/CRP) to identify optimization potential
• Link production data with financial metrics to give management a transparent, unified view of cost drivers and savings opportunities
• Develop and maintain KPI dashboards and management reports that translate operational data into actionable insight
• Support process analyses to reduce idle time, waste, and improve energy efficiency

Financial Planning & Reporting

• Contribute to monthly and annual financial statements
• Lead or support budget and forecast planning cycles for production/operations
• Continuously develop and refine controlling tools and processes to strengthen performance management

Business Partnering

• Serve as the central point of contact for production managers and plant leadership on all controlling matters
• Translate complex financial and operational data into clear recommendations for non-finance stakeholders
• Drive efficiency projects in close collaboration with operations, engineering, and finance teams

What You Bring

• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Controlling, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience as a Production/Operations Controller in an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Strong hands-on experience with product costing (pre- and post-calculation), hourly rate determination, and CAPEX/investment analysis
• Solid understanding of production planning concepts (MRP, CRP, OEE) and their financial implications
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP and BI systems (SAP CO/PP/MM, Power BI, or similar)
• Strong analytical mindset with a solution-oriented, hands-on working style
• Very good English (B2+); German language skills are a strong plus in DACH-based roles
• Team player with initiative, ownership, and the ability to think strategically while staying close to operational detail