Job Title:  Business Segment Controller

The Business Segment Controller is a commercially-minded and hands-on finance leader position to act as the Finance Director’s key deputy. The role will take full financial responsibility for the Solartron Metrology unit (around 70% of the remit) and will also support the wider business unit consolidation, financial reporting and process improvement (around 30%). The Solartron business accounts for c20% of the business unit as a whole.

The successful candidate will work closely with leaders of each department including production, supply chain and commercial teams to optimise financial performance, control costs and drive efficiency. This is a highly visible role with exposure to the senior leadership team, and regular reporting to group level.

Key Responsibilities

Business Segment Finance Leadership (c70%)

• Lead all financial activities for the Solartron business, including management accounts, forecasting and budgeting to drive growth
• Provide weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting on financial performance including costs of goods sold (COGS), stock levels and working capital
• Deliver variance analysis for material, labour, overhead costs against standards and budgets; provide insight and recommendations to improve margins
• Work this business leaders to optimise working capital and free cash flow
• Drive cost-control initiatives in collaboration with operational managers
• Ensure robust stock control and inventory valuation processes in line with UK statutory and group reporting requirements
• Introduce a best practice approach to the Finance Department on site and ensure a co-ordinated approach with Taylor Hobson Solartron Business Unit
• Support local leadership with investment appraisals, capital expenditure proposals, and scenario modelling
• Promote and enhance key internal controls to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Lead Solartron local Statutory and Internal audits and ensure support is co-ordinated across the Finance team

Business Unit Consolidation & Support (c30%)

• Support the Finance Director in delivering consolidated Business Unit financial statements and management reports
• Coordinate month-end close activities across BU sites to ensure consistent reporting and data integrity
• Assist with preparation of quarterly group submissions
• Contribute to the ongoing harmonisation of reporting processes, ERP usage and data standards
• Work with counterparts across the globe to ensure consistency in approach

General Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement projects, including CRM and ERP, within the division to improve accuracy and efficiency in reporting, cost allocation and stock control
• Drive initiatives to automate reporting and strengthen internal controls, particularly around production costing and inventory
• Partner with IT and operational teams to enhance data visibility e.g. dashboards for KPIs
• Support ad-hoc strategic projects such as capacity expansion, make-or-buy decisions, and pricing analysis – take ownership and deliver
• Improve and modernise the way the department operates

Requirements for Consideration

• Skilled communicator with the ability to partner/work with other departments
• Proactive, collaborative and comfortable in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Flexible approach to tasks provided and the ability to investigate problems with an open and enquiring mind
• Inquisitive nature – ask questions and challenge thoughts
• Able to take accountability and have awareness over timescales
• Able to work within a dynamic environment, autonomously and as part of a team

Experience/Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent) with significant post qualification experience within an engineering environment
• Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar
• Strong track record in standard reporting, costing and financial analysis with knowledge of UK and US GAAP
• Expertise in SOX compliance and internal control frameworks, particularly within a manufacturing setting
• Experience working for a UK business with international reach
• Demonstratable ability to drive process improvements and improve cost transparency
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to interpret data and influence decisions
• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage cultural change and continuous improvement
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy under deadlines

Desirable but not essential

• Experience of working within a listed organisation
• Exposure to working for a manufacturing business
• Knowledge of export finance
• Experience of introducing AI to aid efficiency with Finance processes and reporting

What Taylor Hobson offers you

• A fun, relaxed and supportive working environment.
• 1pm Friday finish.
• Competitive salary and 25 days holiday including Christmas.
• Fantastic and supportive onboarding to ensure joiners are well integrated and comfortable at Taylor Hobson.
• Generous matched pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Option to join private health plan.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• We are invested in developing your skills and will promote and encourage progression through the business.
• Mentoring and guidance for accreditation.
• Opportunity to get involved with charity and fundraising, which we are passionate about.
• Sports and Social Club – fun events and activities throughout the year including Christmas party.
• Perkbox – our rewards app offering discounts from a multitude of retailers, a GP service and a 24-hour Employee Assistance Program to ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees.
• Employee referral scheme of £1000
• Cycle to work scheme.
• An inclusive workforce.
• Free onsite parking, electric charging points and easy access to the city centre.

Business Unit

• Established in 1886, Taylor Hobson is the world leader in surface and form metrology and developed the first Roundness and Surface Finish measuring instruments.
• We provide contact and non-contact measurement solutions for the most demanding applications on a global basis, with a worldwide infrastructure to support our clients; we are a truly global ultra-precision metrology company.
• We are pioneers, continually developing our products to meet the ever-increasing demands of next generation technologies, particularly in Optics, Bearings, Space, Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Medical and Renewable Energy technologies.
• Taylor Hobson's world leading brands include: Talyrond®, Form Talysurf® PGI, Form Talysurf® i-Series, Surtronic®, LUPHOScan, Formalysurf® PGI Optics, Talyvel®, Autocollimators, Micro-Alignment Telescope and AMECare.
• Taylor Hobson is part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division of AMETEK, Inc. which is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
• Website: www.taylor-hobson.com