Production ControllerNovara | PE-Backed Manufacturing Group | Plant Controlling | Operations FinanceThe BusinessWe are partnering with a leading private equity-backed manufacturing group with a significant operational footprint in Northern Italy.As the business continues to professionalise its finance function and drive stronger operational performance, they are looking to appoint a Production Controller to support the manufacturing site in Novara.This is a highly operational finance position, working closely with both the Finance team and Plant Management, with a strong focus on production performance, cost control, efficiency, and margin improvement.The OpportunityThe Production Controller will take ownership of the financial analysis and controlling activities related to the manufacturing operation, providing clear visibility over production costs, variances, efficiency, and profitability.You will act as a key finance business partner to the plant leadership team, helping to identify performance gaps, improve cost transparency, and support operational decision-making.Key responsibilities will include:Own and develop plant and production controlling activities for the Novara site.Analyse production costs, standard costs, actual costs and manufacturing variances.Monitor key operational KPIs including labour efficiency, material usage, scrap, yield, productivity and overhead absorption.Lead monthly analysis of actuals vs. budget and forecast, explaining key operational and financial variances.Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the production site.Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain and Plant Management to identify opportunities to improve efficiency,



margins and cost control.Analyse product and customer profitability, contribution margins and cost drivers.Support the development and maintenance of standard costing methodologies.Monitor inventory levels, stock movements and working capital performance.Support CAPEX analysis, investment cases and post-investment reviews.Provide management reporting and actionable insights to the local and Group finance teams.Improve controlling processes, reporting tools and data quality across the plant.Support broader finance transformation and performance improvement initiatives within the PE-backed group.The ProfileThe successful candidate will ideally bring:Previous experience in production controlling, plant controlling, industrial controlling or manufacturing finance.Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures and standard costing.Experience analysing production variances, operational KPIs and profitability.Strong Excel and financial modelling skills.Experience with ERP systems such as SAP would be beneficial.Commercial mindset with the ability to challenge and partner with operational stakeholders.Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.Experience within a PE-backed, international or transformation-focused business would be advantageous.Fluent Italian and strong English communication skillsWhy Join?This is an excellent opportunity to join a PE-backed manufacturing environment where finance has a genuine influence on operational decision-making.The role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders, direct involvement in plant performance improvement, and the opportunity to contribute to the continued professionalisation and value creation of the wider group.Location: Novara, Italy

📌 Manufacturing Performance Analyst (Piemonte)
🏢 Privatal
📍 Piemonte