Plant Controller

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Plant Controller to serve as financial leader at our manufacturing facility specializing in datacenter infrastructure solutions. This strategic role combines financial leadership with operational oversight, requiring significant shop floor presence to drive business performance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Leadership:

• Maintain regular shop floor presence to understand processes, identify improvement opportunities, and build strong relationships with operations teams
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive operational efficiency and cost optimization
• Participate in strategic planning and execution of plant transformation projects

Financial Leadership:

• Direct all plant financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting
• Translate shop floor observations into actionable financial insights and improvement initiatives
• Develop and monitor KPIs that bridge operational and financial performance
• Lead cost reduction programs through direct engagement with production teams
• Ensure robust financial controls while maintaining operational flexibility

Operational Excellence:

• Partner with operations leaders to optimize production processes and resource utilization
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects
• Lead value stream mapping exercises to identify waste and improvement opportunities
• Actively participate in production meetings and problem-solving sessions

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with labor unions, serving as a key liaison for negotiations and ongoing dialogue
• Develop strategic partnerships with key vendors and suppliers to optimize costs and ensure operational excellence
• Engage with customers through site visits and audits, demonstrating our operational capabilities and financial stability
• Foster positive relationships with local authorities and community leaders to support plant operations and future growth
• Represent the plant in industry associations and local business forums
• Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies
• Lead community engagement initiatives to maintain the plant's social license to operate

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA preferred
• CPA certification preferred
• 10+ years of progressive finance experience in manufacturing, with demonstrated operational involvement.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven experience in both financial management and operations leadership
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing change initiatives
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing processes and shop floor operations
• Strong presence and ability to effectively communicate with all organizational levels
• Proven track record in stakeholder management and relationship building
• Experience in union environments and contract negotiations
• Strong diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes
• Hands-on leadership style with willingness to spend significant time on the shop floor
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical execution
• Strong change management and team development skills
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
• Excellence in relationship building and stakeholder management
• Cultural awareness and ability to operate in diverse environments
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Public speaking and external representation capabilities