Finance Manager/Partner

Finance Business Partner – Manufacturing

This role sits within the finance function of a global consulting firm, embedded directly in a high-output manufacturing environment. The Finance Business Partner is responsible for end-to-end cost discipline, financial planning, and investment analysis across manufacturing operations, acting as a critical link between finance and operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

Planning, Target Setting & Cost Modeling

• Define and track manufacturing cost targets, including HPU and CPU metrics.
• Establish detailed, shop-level cost centers across Stamping, Body, Paint, Assembly, Powertrain, Battery, Utilities, and Logistics.
• Maintain governance over manufacturing cost structures and costing accuracy.
• Manage standard costing processes and perform variance analysis at the shop level.
• Develop and maintain vehicle and model-level cost targets based on production volumes.
• Monitor key manufacturing KPIs — including OEE, throughput, rework, downtime, and scrap — and link performance to financial impact.
  
  

Financial Reporting & Variance Analysis

• Prepare monthly financial reports comparing actuals against budget and forecast.
• Perform detailed variance analysis and deliver clear root-cause insights.
• Consolidate and reconcile financial data across planning and reporting cycles to ensure consistency and accuracy.
  
  

Investment Analysis & Business Case Development

• Develop ROI and NPV analyses to evaluate manufacturing investments and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Build comprehensive profitability models, including payback periods and return metrics.
• Support senior management decision-making through structured, data-driven financial evaluations.
  
  

Cost Optimisation & Benchmarking

• Conduct benchmarking analyses to assess cost competitiveness across manufacturing operations.
• Support and drive cost reduction initiatives, identifying opportunities for savings and efficiency improvements.
  
  

Business Partnering & Decision Support

• Partner closely with manufacturing operations teams to align financial and operational objectives.
• Support labour demand planning and overhead expense strategies.
• Provide clear financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to inform key business decisions.
  
  

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; a professional certification is preferred.
• 3–6 years of finance experience, including direct exposure to manufacturing environments.
• Background in Supply Chain, Product Costing, Bill of Materials (BoM) structures, FP&A, or large-scale operations finance.
• Strong financial modelling capabilities with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle; exposure to data visualisation tools is an advantage.
• Solid understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis methodologies.
• Working knowledge of headcount planning, workforce cost management, payroll accounting, accruals, and financial statements.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with cross-functional stakeholders.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on data accuracy, integrity, and internal controls.
• Effective communicator with strong presentation skills, comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  
  

About Senna

Senna is a careers platform for finance candidates who want better opportunities and more strategic career guidance. We help professionals clarify their ambitions, target the right roles, and access expert support tailored to their goals across the MENA finance market. Senna is built to help candidates move with stronger direction, sharper positioning, and greater momentum. For more information, visit joinsenna.com.