Operations Business Partner

**Company Description**:
The Operations Business Partner and Indirects Controller is responsible for the financial partnership of the Operations team, through the preparation, presentation, and influence of valuable analytical insights to encourage smarter, more informed decision making. The purpose of the role is to ensure financial stewardship of the Business through engaging in cross-functional decisions which will ultimately impact the profitability and cash flow of the organization. This also includes all aspects of financial planning, analysis, controlling and reporting for the local operations business and the controlling of the Company’s Indirect cost.

**BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP**

Acts as a contact and sparring partner for the Operations Director, Head of Demand and Supply, Head of Customer Service and Logistics, Human Resources Director and Sales Director acting as the main point of contact for Headquarter departments

Takes controlling responsibility for cross functional finance HR, Sales (related to Indirects) and Operations projects, contributing analytically.

Works closely with the various contacts, has a service mentality but also challenges them, asks questions, gives opinions, suggestions and insights based on factual information.

Challenges on a regular base Brand COGS and Physical Distribution Costs with local Operations, HQ Operations and HQ Operations Controlling Department;
For Indirects, challenges information received based on market knowledge, company strategy and internal guidelines.

**PLANNING AND FORECASTING**

Ensures realistic and high data quality when forecasting business plans and revised estimates in relation to Physical Distribution, Warehousing costs, inventory planning and Indirect Planning by cost center.

Supports and challenges Operations and Indirects holders during the planning process.

Prepares year to go best estimates, considering reasonableness of plan and market conditions.

Highlights risks and opportunities within the forecast and appropriately challenges inputs where necessary.

Ensures accurate forecasting and clarity of drivers, resulting in robust and timely decision making.

Works in collaboration with budget owners to ensure the delivery to the Full Year plan each month.

**MONTH/ YEARLY END CLOSING AND REPORTING**

Perform various checks to ensure correct month-end closing together with the business partners.

Perform production checks and ensuring correct inventory levels.

For year end, supports the preparation and execution of Finished Goods and VISIT inventories revaluation.

Actively participates and supports Monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.

Creation of management reports and performing analysis, e.g. cost variances.

Prepares and distributes detailed monthly reports including comments using either SAP, BI and /or Hyperion for Key Stakeholders and Directors.

**GENERAL**

Ensures timely distribution of financial information (plan & actual) to key stakeholders by presenting at regular monthly meetings.

Promotes efficiency in Controlling to minimize time spent for report generation and increases time for analysis, commenting and insights sharing.

Supports the establishment of a true bottom up planning process and contributes to a high forecasting accuracy of business plans and revised estimates.

Guarantees compliance with the Group Controlling guidelines and internal policies.

**Qualifications**:
At least +3 years of relevant work experience as Operations Controller, ideally in a consumer products or food/beverage manufacturing and/or distribution business, or 5 years in Controlling department.

University degree in Business Administration/Finance (strong finance background)

Proactive, challenging and with a good Logistics business knowledge.

Must be self-motivated, self-directed and be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced team environment

Highly analytical, financially literate and commercially savvy

Practical knowledge of SAP R/3, SAP BI, SAP Planning tools and Hyperion.

Strong English written and verbal communication skills.

**Additional Information**: