Global BU Operations Controller

Overview

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation, supporting water and energy security and the energy transition.

Role Summary

As Global BU Operations Controller, you will drive and coordinate operational controlling activities across our global manufacturing footprint, acting as a trusted business partner to Operations leadership. You will provide financial insights, performance analysis, and strategic guidance to support decision‑making, while leading the Operations Controlling team and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive operational and cost analysis for the BU at the factory level, including cost accounting, actuals and forecast analysis, reporting framework development and resolution of complex issues.
• Oversee and coordinate the planning, budgeting and forecasting processes at the Operations level.
• Deliver effective and timely communication to the BU FICO Head and other internal or external stakeholders.
• Create and monitor governance procedures to maintain core management reports (e.g., DOA, control matrix).
• Be accountable for the production of core finance management reporting and analysis.
• Coordinate with Legal to ensure risk‑management policies and procedures are implemented and managed appropriately.
• Identify and manage continuous improvement initiatives for the controlling function.
• Monitor and develop monthly reports for revenues and expenditures of a factory and all factory sites consolidated; manage and steer factory costs and assist in the analysis of NWC balances.
• Perform continuous project improvement analysis, new product development analysis, strategic sourcing analysis, and other ad‑hoc analyses.
• Provide production and cost information required for the end‑to‑end financial close and internal reporting process.
• Provide inputs for the planning, budgeting and forecasting processes for the Finance organization.
• Empower the Operations Team to manage the day‑to‑day aspects of the processes, providing operational steering.
• Liaise with Procurement regarding order intake and allocate resources to the production process.
• Support the GPOs in establishing procedures for the Cost Accounting function, including selection and implementation of relevant reporting and tools.
• Drive the implementation of DXC and Financial Services within Operational LEs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience in Finance, Controlling or Business Partnering roles.
• Previous management experience with a proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams.
• Prior experience in an Engineering and/or Manufacturing environment is essential.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and presentation abilities.
• Excellent analytical capabilities combined with commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, organisational and prioritisation skills in complex and dynamic environments.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously, supported by strong project‑management skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams within a high‑performance organisation and support a variety of business functions.
• Extensive knowledge of internal financial reporting, accounting principles, financial decision‑making and internal controls.
• Proactive, self‑motivated mindset with a continuous improvement orientation.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Technical Competencies

• Excellent understanding of integrated ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

What We Offer You

• A highly visible (regional/global) role with the scope to influence strategy and shape business growth across a key growth market.
• Accountability for regional P&L performance, strategic customer partnerships and sustainable revenue growth with significant autonomy and decision‑making authority.
• Exposure to senior global stakeholders, international markets and diverse business functions, creating exceptional opportunities for professional development.
• The chance to lead transformation initiatives and enhance Sulzer's competitive position within a rapidly evolving region.
• Investment in your future through Sulzer Learning, global leadership development pathways and international career mobility opportunities, enabling both personal and professional growth.

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

With more than 13,000 employees and 160 world class production facilities and service centres across the globe, we are a globally diverse team. We value the uniqueness of all our colleagues and the contributions each of us makes to the company’s success. We prioritise your health and safety and are committed to offering a work environment in which you can thrive.