Financial Controller | Kirkcaldy/Ripley/Amsterdam
Recruiter: Hays
Location: Kirkcaldy, Ripley or Amsterdam
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £Excellent + Car or Allowance + Bonus up to 30% + Pension + Healthcare
Interested in this role?
About the opportunity
Hays is delighted to partner with Forbo Flooring Systems in the search for a seasoned Financial Controller to support their supply chain management operation. This position provides a unique opportunity to influence the company’s course through strategic financial insight and sound senior management operational contribution.
Forbo Flooring Systems heritage stands at the forefront of the global market as a premier provider of superior commercial and residential flooring solutions. A division of the Forbo Group headquartered in Baar, Switzerland boasting a diverse team of 2741 dedicated professionals across 39 countries, 15 manufacturing sites, and a staggering group profit that soars beyond CHF £102 million (equivalent to about £90 million Sterling) Forbo have been operating since 1928.
With a keen eye for opportunity, Forbo will continue to expand its global footprint, enhancing its product range through strategic acquisitions, and nurturing a culture of high performance that equips every level with the skills and competencies needed to succeed. Forbo is boldly expanding their horizons with the construction of a new plant in the USA, a testament to their relentless pursuit of growth and market leadership. This move is a clear signal of their dedication to shaping the future and asserting their influence across the industry.
Their customers are the heartbeat of their business. This conviction is not just a belief but a cornerstone of their ethos. The products they manufacture stand out for their ingenuity, crafted not merely to meet expectations but to spark the imagination, empowering customers to forge spaces that are as distinctive and individual as they are.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to customers, exceptional service, relentless innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and a powerful global brand … Forbo is not just a company, it is a market influencer.
About the role
In this multifaceted role, you will be a key player supporting the COO (Chief Operating Officer), SVP (Senior Vice President) Finance & IT, SVP Supply Chain, and the Vice Presidents of all four Business Units (Linoleum, Vinyl, Textiles and Building & Construction) to meet and exceed budget and strategic objectives. With a plant Director and Plant Controller at each site (x15 sites), you will maintain direct and frequent communication with plant Financial Controllers, managing two direct reports. Your primary reporting line will be to the SVP Supply Chain Management, accompanied by a dotted line to the SVP Finance and IT based in The Netherlands.
This role involves frequent travel to sites across the U.K, Netherlands, France, Germany, USA and Switzerland. It requires driving change with transparency and winning the hearts and minds of the business community through a clear and influential approach.
A varied role, you will consult closely with quality departments, providing both challenge and support to guarantee the highest standards in production and installation. Your keen commercial capex analysis skills will be directed towards initiatives that generate revenue swiftly.
This role can be based out of either Ripley, Assendelft (close to Amsterdam), Coevorden or Kirkcaldy.
About the individual
Core Responsibilities:
- Act as a pivotal support for the COO, SVP Finance & IT, SVP SCM, and VPs of all four business units to achieve budgetary and strategic goals by deploying rigorous financial analysis to inform decision-making
- Maintain a close working relationship with plant Financial Controllers, overseeing two direct reports
- Collaborate closely with the business to verify that pricing estimates are precise, production adheres to set benchmarks and objectives, and enhancements in quality are consistently observed and communicated
Purpose of the job:
- Develop, implement, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Business Units (BUs), Logistics, and Procurement. Focus on maintaining a
neutral variance
as the primary KPI, and
outline actions to counterbalance any deviation - Identify risks related to Profit & Loss (P&L) and Balance Sheet; define mitigating actions and monitor their implementation
- Monitor the CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) budget and validate CAPEX requests for the Division/BU
- Contribute to the Medium-Term Plan (MTP) by providing insights on productivity improvements, Capex, and working capital
- Reporting of quality improvement and continual improvement, specifically post installation analysis working closely with the quality departments to evaluate the cost of quality and quality control
- Prepare presentations for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and corporate management
- Support the Vice President (VP) of Business Units with monthly reporting to Divisional management
Key Deliverables for measuring performance / performance indicators:
- Quality and timely delivery of information and reports
- Production variance analysis
- Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) – stock turnover
- Operational expenses per square metre (Opex/sqm)
- Capital investments (Capex)
- Yearly plan and budget performance for your own team
- Compliance with external financial standards and obligations
- Successful execution of specific projects
Qualities Required:
- A strategic mindset underpinned with financial expertise
in a manufacturing/production environment, complemented with leadership experience - Exhibit robust analytical skills
- Maintain meticulous attention to detail
- Ensure prompt and precise reporting
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
About You
It is likely you will possess a professional accounting qualification, accompanied by experience in a similar role. Proficiency in handling complex data from ERP systems is essential, along with effective communication and analytical skills. As an initiative-taking finance expert with a track record in the manufacturing and production sector, you will be enthusiastic about adding value, adept at communicating across departments, and skilled in fostering robust relationships. Your flexible nature with the ability to travel and integrate with international colleagues will enable you to adjust to a dynamic business landscape. Your aptitude to thrive under pressure and meet tight deadlines is crucial.
A significant strength is your ability to develop and maintain sound stakeholder relationships. You should be proactive, with the ability to make independent decisions when required. The role involves travel, approximately 25% to 30% of the time, within the UK and Europe and occasionally the USA.
What to do next
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now on 0131 603 8374.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
