Role: Operations Controller
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Industry: Manufacturing
Salary: £40,000-£45,000
Type: Full-Time - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Operations Controller - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Stoke-on-Trent (with occasional travel to Wolverhampton)
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Our client is seeking a commercially minded Operations Controller to join their UK team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting operational and financial performance across two UK manufacturing sites.

The position has arisen to provide additional controlling support while a senior leader undertakes an interim commercial leadership role. You will work closely with the Group Controlling Manager and UK operational management team, delivering high-quality financial insight to support business decisions.

What's on Offer

Salary up to £45,000 per annum (DOE)
25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 1 celebration day (pro-rata)
5% pension contribution
Medicash Health Cash Plan
37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
Full-time on-site for first 3 months (training), with potential hybrid working (1-2 days from home) thereafterBased at the Stoke site, you may occasionally travel to the Wolverhampton site (pool car provided).

The Role

Operational & Financial Control

Monitor and report on production processes
Calculate and analyse standard costs
Conduct monthly production variance analysis
Develop and track production-based KPIs
Perform variance analysis (actual vs budget/prior year)
Complete monthly costing and closing activities
Lead the annual budgeting process for operational areas
Provide first-line SAP support
Analyse and improve working capital performance
Support monthly P&L reporting
Analyse plant and non-plant operational costsCommercial Support & Contract Management

Act as a business partner in commercial contract negotiations
Support contract discussions with the commercial team
Manage rebate accruals, calculations, credit notes and payment follow-up
Produce margin analysis, commercial reporting, and ad-hoc analysisAudit & Compliance

Ensure compliance with Group policies and financial governance
Support internal and external audits
Address and resolve audit findingsInvestment Analysis

Support investment appraisals (NPV/IRR analysis)
Ensure projects comply with Group policies
Conduct post-investment reviewsCross-Functional Support

Partner across logistics, purchasing, statutory accounts, payroll, ONS reporting, and new product development
Maintain and lead investment analysis processesAbout You

Qualifications & Experience

Formal accounting qualification (AAT, CIMA, ACCA) or Master's degree in Finance/Economics (or equivalent experience)
Experience within a manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of standard costing and production processesTechnical Skills

SAP experience desirable
Power BI experience advantageous
Strong financial and operational knowledge
Confident working cross-functionallyKey Competencies

Structured problem-solving and decision-making
Ability to recommend cost savings and efficiency improvements
Strong analytical and reporting skills
Commercially aware and detail-focused
Comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels, including European shared services teamsSuccess Measures

You will deliver:

Accurate and timely monthly reporting (P&L, variances, costing)
High-quality standard costing and variance analysis
On-time budgets and forecasts
Improved operational KPIs and working capital performance
Reliable SAP support and investment appraisals
Accurate rebate management and audit complianceOur client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

Interviews are typically conducted via Microsoft Teams during core hours (8am-5pm). In-person interviews can be arranged upon request.

If you are a proactive finance professional with strong manufacturing experience and a passion for driving operational performance, we would love to hear from you.

INDM