Freelance Plant Business Partner

Freelance Finance Business Partner / Plant Controller | 6-Month Project | Limburg | Hybrid. I am currently partnering with an international manufacturing organisation that are seeking an experienced Freelance Finance Business Partner / Plant Controller for a critical 6-month assignment starting in mid-November. This role will act as the key link between the local manufacturing plant and the central finance function, providing commercial and operational finance support during a strategically important period that includes year-end activities and ongoing performance improvement initiatives.

As Finance Business Partner / Plant Controller, you will work closely with plant leadership, operations, and the wider finance team to deliver meaningful financial insights, improve operational performance, and strengthen cost control across the site. The position requires someone who can move beyond pure reporting, developing a strong understanding of the business, manufacturing processes, and operational drivers to support decision-making and business performance.

Managing one junior finance team member, you will play a key role in bridging local operations with central finance while supporting the business through year-end and broader controlling activities.

Key responsibilities include: acting as the primary finance business partner to plant management and operational stakeholders; serving as the key liaison between the local manufacturing site and the central finance team; analysing and monitoring Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), production costs, inventory performance, and margins; delivering insightful financial analysis to support decision-making across manufacturing operations; leading plant controlling activities including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management; supporting month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities; partnering closely with production, supply chain, procurement, and operations teams to understand business drivers and improve performance; identifying opportunities for process improvements, cost optimisation, and operational efficiencies; developing and maintaining financial KPIs, dashboards, and performance reporting; providing clear recommendations to senior stakeholders based on financial and operational analysis; and managing and supporting one junior finance team member.

The candidate profile requires proven experience as a Finance Business Partner, Plant Controller, Operations Controller, Manufacturing Controller, or similar senior finance role; strong plant controlling experience; solid understanding of manufacturing environments and operational finance; demonstrated experience analysing and managing COGS, production costing, inventory valuation, and margin performance; strong business partnering skills with the ability to challenge and influence operational stakeholders; experience acting as the bridge between business operations and finance functions; previous exposure to manufacturing, industrial, FMCG, chemicals, engineering, or production environments is highly advantageous; experience supporting year-end processes, audits, and financial reporting activities; strong analytical mindset combined with a hands-on and pragmatic approach; proven ability to communicate financial performance to both finance and non-finance audiences; experience managing or mentoring junior finance staff is considered a plus; fluent English is required; Dutch is highly desirable.

Engagement details: Freelance / Interim Assignment; 6-Month Initial Contract; Start Date: Mid-November; Location: Limburg; Hybrid Working Model; Management responsibility for one junior finance professional; Close collaboration with both plant leadership and central finance teams; Exposure to senior operational and finance stakeholders; Opportunity to play a key role in business performance improvement and year-end activities.