Operations Controller at GCS Associates

Job Description:

Latest job information from GCS Associates for the position of Operations Controller. If the Operations Controller vacancy in Cookshill matches your qualifications, please submit your latest application or CV directly through the updated Jobkos job portal.

Please note that applying for a job may not always be easy, as new candidates must meet certain qualifications and requirements set by the company. We hope the career opportunity at GCS Associates for the position of Operations Controller below matches your qualifications.

Role: Operations Controller
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Industry: Manufacturing
Salary: £40,000-£45,000
Type: Full-Time - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Operations Controller - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Stoke-on-Trent (with occasional travel to Wolverhampton)
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Our client is seeking a commercially minded Operations Controller to join their UK team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting operational and financial performance across two UK manufacturing sites.

The position has arisen to provide additional controlling support while a senior leader undertakes an interim commercial leadership role. You will work closely with the Group Controlling Manager and UK operational management team, delivering high-quality financial insight to support business decisions.

What's on Offer

• Salary up to £45,000 per annum (DOE)
• 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 1 celebration day (pro-rata)
• 5% pension contribution
• Medicash Health Cash Plan
• 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
• Full-time on-site for first 3 months (training), with potential hybrid working (1-2 days from home) thereafter

Based at the Stoke site, you may occasionally travel to the Wolverhampton site (pool car provided).

The Role

Operational & Financial Control

• Monitor and report on production processes
• Calculate and analyse standard costs
• Conduct monthly production variance analysis
• Develop and track production-based KPIs
• Perform variance analysis (actual vs budget/prior year)
• Complete monthly costing and closing activities
• Lead the annual budgeting process for operational areas
• Provide first-line SAP support
• Analyse and improve working capital performance
• Support monthly P&L reporting
• Analyse plant and non-plant operational costs

Commercial Support & Contract Management

• Act as a business partner in commercial contract negotiations
• Support contract discussions with the commercial team
• Manage rebate accruals, calculations, credit notes and payment follow-up
• Produce margin analysis, commercial reporting, and ad-hoc analysis

Audit & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Group policies and financial governance
• Support internal and external audits
• Address and resolve audit findings

Investment Analysis

• Support investment appraisals (NPV/IRR analysis)
• Ensure projects comply with Group policies
• Conduct post-investment reviews

Cross-Functional Support

• Partner across logistics, purchasing, statutory accounts, payroll, ONS reporting, and new product development
• Maintain and lead investment analysis processes

About You

Qualifications & Experience

• Formal accounting qualification (AAT, CIMA, ACCA) or Master's degree in Finance/Economics (or equivalent experience)
• Experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of standard costing and production processes

Technical Skills

• SAP experience desirable
• Power BI experience advantageous
• Strong financial and operational knowledge
• Confident working cross-functionally

Key Competencies

• Structured problem-solving and decision-making
• Ability to recommend cost savings and efficiency improvements
• Strong analytical and reporting skills
• Commercially aware and detail-focused
• Comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels, including European shared services teams

Success Measures

You will deliver:

• Accurate and timely monthly reporting (P&L, variances, costing)
• High-quality standard costing and variance analysis
• On-time budgets and forecasts
• Improved operational KPIs and working capital performance
• Reliable SAP support and investment appraisals
• Accurate rebate management and audit compliance

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

Interviews are typically conducted via Microsoft Teams during core hours (8am-5pm). In-person interviews can be arranged upon request.

If you are a proactive finance professional with strong manufacturing experience and a passion for driving operational performance, we would love to hear from you.

INDM

• Company: GCS Associates
• Position: Operations Controller
• Work Location: Cookshill
• Country: GB

How to Submit an Application:

After reading and understanding the criteria and minimum qualification requirements explained in the job information Operations Controller at the office Cookshill above, immediately complete the job application files such as a job application letter, CV, photocopy of diploma, transcript, and other supplements as explained above. Submit via the Next Page link below.