Plant Controller
About Kerry
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
About the role
The Plant Controller – Três Corações serves as the Finance Business Partner for the manufacturing site, acting as a key advisor to Site Management and Integrated Operations leadership. This role is responsible for transforming financial and operational data into actionable insights that drive performance, value creation, and strategic decision-making.
The position supports the achievement of operational, commercial, and financial objectives by providing robust financial analysis, challenging assumptions, identifying risks and opportunities, and enabling sustainable business growth. The role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, Health, Safety & Environmental (QHSE), and Commercial teams to ensure alignment with Kerry’s Integrated Operations strategy.
Key responsibilities
- Partner with Site Management to provide financial guidance, performance insights, and decision support.
- Translate financial and operational information into actionable recommendations that improve business performance.
- Challenge and influence key business decisions through fact-based analysis and strong stakeholder engagement.
- Own the site budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring timely completion and alignment with business objectives.
- Lead the monthly close and reporting process for site performance, ensuring accurate and timely communication to stakeholders.
- Continuously monitor actual performance, highlighting risks, opportunities, and corrective actions to Site Leadership and Finance Management.
- Drive plant efficiency initiatives by tracking performance against targets and supporting continuous improvement efforts.
- Work closely with site leadership to improve operational and financial performance through meaningful KPIs and performance management practices.
- Support the identification and delivery of productivity, cost-saving, and value creation opportunities.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to evaluate investment opportunities and develop robust business cases.
- Provide financial leadership and oversight for site-specific strategic projects.
- Contribute to defining long-term growth priorities and strategic direction for the site.
- Collaborate with FP&A and GBS teams to ensure standardized reporting, financial controls, and best practices.
- Identify and support end-to-end process improvement opportunities across finance and operations.
- Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
Qualifications and skills
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
- Significant experience in Finance Business Partnering, Plant Controlling, Manufacturing Finance, or related finance roles within a complex operational environment.
- Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, performance management, and business case development.
- Experience supporting manufacturing, supply chain, operations, or integrated business functions.
- Strong financial planning, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
- Advanced knowledge of financial modeling, performance metrics, and business performance management.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
- Experience with digital transformation initiatives, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights to enhance financial decision-making and operational performance.
- Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders constructively.
- Strategic thinking combined with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Results-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and value creation.
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and matrix environments.
- Strong project management and change management skills.