Global R&D Controller

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we'll give you what you need to make it happen. It won't always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you'll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we've announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you'll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position Reports To
Global Head of FP&A, Robotics

Your Role And Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as the Finance Business Partner for ABB Robotics' Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and the global R&D leadership team, taking end-to-end responsibility for controlling the full Robotics R&D investment portfolio (nine-figure annual R&D spend across hardware and software programs). You will ensure transparency, discipline, and strategic allocation of R&D spend across sites, product lines, and development programs.

By designing, implementing, and managing robust project-level controlling, forecasting, and KPI frameworks, you will provide actionable insights that improve R&D effectiveness, evaluate return on innovation, and support strategic decisions in technology development.

Reporting to the Head of Income Statement & Commercial Finance, you will work closely with the CTO, R&D program managers, Business Line Controllers, FP&A and Accounting to enable value creation through well-governed R&D investments.

The work model for the role is: hybrid

You Will Be Mainly Accountable For

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting for all Robotics R&D spend, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic resource allocation. Track spend by site, project, program, product group, platform, and investment category. Ensure proper cost charging between legal entities, including capitalization assessments (if applicable), intercompany recharges, and alignment with accounting rules.
• Partner with the CTO and R&D leadership to evaluate program economics, spend trends, and resource allocation vs. strategy. Perform variance analysis, benchmark efficiency, and identify optimization opportunities. Drive deep-dive analyses on R&D productivity, resource utilization, and cost-to-complete.
• Define and implement a unified R&D performance dashboard including, but not limited to ROI of programs, Vitality Index, Project Cost-to-Complete (CTC), Time-to-Market Metrics, etc…
• Support the Robotics R&D governance framework — led through PPR/PRT and executed by the CTO organization and program managers — by providing high-quality financial insights and scenario analysis when requested. Collaborate closely with program managers on budget preparation.
• Design standalone financial processes and reporting mechanisms for R&D spend to meet the requirements of a standalone company. Support carve-out, separation cost tracking, and establishment of the long-term Robotics R&D cost baseline

Qualifications For The Role

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration with at least 6-10 years of international finance/controlling experience, with strong exposure to corporate reporting, FP&A and project cost management
• At least 2 years of R&D controlling, budgeting, and forecasting experience, managing large budgets (~$30M/yr+), with prior involvement in spin-offs, carve-outs, IPO readiness, or major finance transformation projects being a plus
• Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail, with ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for senior stakeholders and support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to act as a trusted business partner, challenge stakeholders constructively, and work effectively in a fast-paced, transformational.
• Travelling up to 15% is required for this position.

What's in it for you?
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You'll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that's tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.

JR