Business Segment Controller

The Business Segment Controller is a commercially‑minded and hands‑on finance leader position to act as the Finance Director’s key deputy. The role will take full financial responsibility for the Solartron Metrology unit (around 70% of the remit) and will also support the wider business unit consolidation, financial reporting and process improvement (around 30%). The Solartron business accounts for c 20% of the business unit as a whole.

The successful candidate will work closely with leaders of each department including production, supply chain and commercial teams to optimise financial performance, control costs and drive efficiency. This is a highly visible role with exposure to the senior leadership team, and regular reporting to group level.

• Lead all financial activities for the Solartron business, including management accounts, forecasting and budgeting to drive growth
• Provide weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting on financial performance including costs of goods sold (COGS), stock levels and working capital
• Deliver variance analysis for material, labour, overhead costs against standards and budgets; provide insight and recommendations to improve margins
• Work this business leaders to optimise working capital and free cash flow
• Drive cost‑control initiatives in collaboration with operational managers
• Ensure robust stock control and inventory valuation processes in line with UK statutory and group reporting requirements
• Introduce a best practice approach to the Finance Department on site and ensure a co‑ordinated approach with Taylor Hobson Solartron Business Unit
• Support local leadership with investment appraisals, capital expenditure proposals, and scenario modelling
• Promote and enhance key internal controls to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Lead Solartron local Statutory and Internal audits and ensure support is co‑ordinated across the Finance team

• Support the Finance Director in delivering consolidated Business Unit financial statements and management reports
• Coordinate month‑end close activities across BU sites to ensure consistent reporting and data integrity
• Assist with preparation of quarterly group submissions
• Contribute to the ongoing harmonisation of reporting processes, ERP usage and data standards
• Work with counterparts across the globe to ensure consistency in approach

• Lead process improvement projects, including CRM and ERP, within the division to improve accuracy and efficiency in reporting, cost allocation and stock control
• Drive initiatives to automate reporting and strengthen internal controls, particularly around production costing and inventory
• Partner with IT and operational teams to enhance data visibility e.g. dashboards for KPIs
• Support ad‑hoc strategic projects such as capacity expansion, make‑or‑buy decisions, and pricing analysis – take ownership and deliver
• Improve and modernise the way the department operates

• Skilled communicator with the ability to partner/work with other departments
• Proactive, collaborative and comfortable in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment
• Flexible approach to tasks provided and the ability to investigate problems with an open and enquiring mind
• Inquisitive nature – ask questions and challenge thoughts
• Able to take accountability and have awareness over timescales
• Able to work within a dynamic environment, autonomously and as part of a team

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent) with significant post qualification experience within an engineering environment
• Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar
• Strong track record in standard reporting, costing and financial analysis with knowledge of UK and US GAAP
• Expertise in SOX compliance and internal control frameworks, particularly within a manufacturing setting
• Experience working for a UK business with international reach
• Demonstratable ability to drive process improvements and improve cost transparency
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to interpret…