Production Controller
Novara | PE-Backed Manufacturing Group | Plant Controlling | Operations Finance
The Business
We are partnering with a leadingprivate equity-backed manufacturing groupwith 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 aProduction Controllerto support the manufacturing site inNovara.
This is a highly operational finance position, working closely with both theFinance team and Plant Management, with a strong focus on production performance, cost control, efficiency, and margin improvement.
The Opportunity
The 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 developplant and production controllingactivities for the Novara site.
Analyseproduction costs, standard costs, actual costs and manufacturing variances.
Monitor key operational KPIs includinglabour efficiency, material usage, scrap, yield, productivity and overhead absorption.
Lead monthly analysis ofactuals vs. budget and forecast, explaining key operational and financial variances.
Support the annualbudgeting and forecastingprocess for the production site.
Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain and Plant Management to identify opportunities to improveefficiency, margins and cost control.




Analyseproduct and customer profitability, contribution margins and cost drivers.
Support the development and maintenance ofstandard costing methodologies.
Monitor inventory levels, stock movements and working capital performance.
SupportCAPEX 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 broaderfinance transformation and performance improvement initiativeswithin the PE-backed group.
The Profile
The successful candidate will ideally bring:
Previous experience inproduction controlling, plant controlling, industrial controlling or manufacturing finance.
Strong understanding ofmanufacturing cost structures and standard costing.
Experience analysing production variances, operational KPIs and profitability.
Strong Excel and financial modelling skills.
Experience with ERP systems such asSAPwould be beneficial.
Commercial mindset with the ability to challenge and partner with operational stakeholders.
Comfortable operating in afast-paced, performance-driven environment.
Experience within aPE-backed, international or transformation-focused businesswould be advantageous.
Fluent Italian and strong English communication skills
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join aPE-backed manufacturing environmentwhere 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

📌 Production Controller (Novara)
🏢 Privatal
📍 Novara