Plant Controller at Ardmac in Nelas, Viseu, Portugal

The Controller will play a key role in steering the financial and operational performance of the plant. This position requires a strong presence on the shop floor, deep analytical skills, and the ability to partner closely with operations, production, supply chain, and corporate finance. Will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of all financial and accounting information related to the plant, while guaranteeing compliance with Group, Business Group, and Division policies. Working closely with operations, production, supply chain, and corporate finance, you will drive financial performance, support strategic decision-making, as this is a hands-on, operationally focused role with responsibility for both financial controlling and team management.

Responsibilities:

Financial Accuracy, Reporting & Compliance

• Guarantee the accuracy and reliability of all accounting and financial information for the plant, ensuring full compliance with relevant accounting standards, internal controls, and tax regulations.
• Oversee monthly closing, ensuring timely, consistent, and high-quality financial reporting.

Budgeting, Forecasting & KPI Monitoring

• Develop plant budgets and forecasts in alignment with corporate requirements and deadlines.
• Monitor and analyze plant KPIs (financial, operational, cost, quality, and inventory) to support decision-making and performance improvement Organize and report main controlling KPI’s;
• Create and maintain dashboards in Power BI and Excel, ensuring that management has easy access to reliable, real-time insights.
• Drive forecasting accuracy through data-driven analyses and trend evaluation.

Performance Analysis & Cost Control

• Ensure full budgetary control across the plant, identifying variances and proposing corrective actions.
• Analyze deviations between forecasted and actual results, highlighting root causes and risk areas.
• Monitor raw material consumption, standard costs, production variances, overheads, and margins on goods sold.
• Strengthen cost transparency and contribute to optimization of cost structures.

Operational & Industrial Controlling

• Work closely with production, supply chain, maintenance, and quality teams to understand operational performance and cost drivers.
• Ensure accurate follow-up of raw materials, scrap, yields, and stock levels.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by translating operational data into financial impacts.

Investment & Cash Flow Management

• Validate the economic feasibility of investments, follow up on project performance, and ensure compliance with approvals and budget.
• Control the plant’s operating cash flow, with focus on working capital: inventories, receivables, payables, and CapEx execution.

Business Partnering & Decision Support

• Provide clear financial recommendations for decisions impacting plant strategy, efficiency, and profitability.
• Participate in the development of improvement plans and ensure their financial evaluation and follow-up.
• Prepare decision-support materials, analyses, dashboards, and presentations for plant and Group leadership.

Profile:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in similar roles, preferably with an industrial backgroung;
• English proficiency;
• Strong knowledge of financial and cost accounting, standard costing, and industrial controlling.
• Advanced data analysis capabilities, including trend analysis, variance analysis, and scenario modeling.
• Expertise in Power BI (dashboard creation, data modeling, automation).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, Power Query, formulas; macros are a plus).
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of KPIs across finance, production, supply chain, and quality.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for management.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and structured approach to problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence and partner with operational teams.
• Leadership capabilities, including experience managing or mentoring teams.
• Hands-on mindset, comfortable working closely with operations and on the shop floor.
• Proactive, results-driven, and capable of challenging existing processes constructively.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and ownership.