Plant Finance Manager

Location:

Do you want to work for some of the world's leading audio brands? Become a part of the HARMAN team and get to work for our Sound United Business Unit.

By joining HARMAN, you'll dive headfirst into the exciting world of headphones, portable speakers, party boxes and other audio technologies, and contribute to the success of Harman Lifestyle EMEA business. The consumer audio industry is fast paced, fun and dynamic and we're looking for someone who is proactive, loves to work with a lot of different stakeholders from all over the globe and has creative ideas.

You will join our Sound United Business Unit with iconic brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics, based in Worthing- UK in the position of:

Plant Finance Manager

A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle:

We're a global, multi-disciplinary team that's putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz and Polk.
• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development.
• Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience.

What You'll Be Part Of
Join our flagship manufacturing site in Worthing, West Sussex, where some of the world's most iconic premium audio products are brought to life, including the renowned Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond and Nautilus loudspeakers.

As Plant Finance Manager, you will be the trusted finance partner to the Plant Manager and a key member of both the site leadership team and HARMAN's Global Manufacturing Controlling organization. You'll play a critical role in driving financial performance, profitability, and operational excellence, helping shape the future success of the site.

This is a highly visible leadership position where you'll collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Engineering teams to provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. You'll also lead and develop a small finance team while influencing key investment and business decisions across the plant.

How You'll Make An Impact

Manufacturing Performance & Cost Control

• Partner with plant leadership to drive profitability, productivity, and operational performance.

• Analyze manufacturing spend and provide actionable insights on cost drivers, variances, risks, and opportunities.

• Monitor and improve labor productivity, manufacturing efficiencies, and cost performance.

• Evaluate material costs, inventory adjustments, scrap, and purchasing variances to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Support make-versus-buy decisions and business cases to ensure cost competitiveness.

• Develop and maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with company policies.

• Track and monitor cost-saving initiatives, providing visibility on progress against targets.

Forecasting, Reporting & Financial Planning

• Lead monthly reporting activities, providing meaningful analysis of plant performance and manufacturing variances.

• Own forecasting processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial projections.

• Develop the annual operating budget, including labor, overhead, inventory, and manufacturing cost assumptions.

• Support the development of annual Capex and inventory plans.

• Partner with Engineering and Operations teams to assess the financial impact of process and production changes.

• Cost new products and regularly review standard versus actual manufacturing costs.

Inventory, Assets & Working Capital

• Oversee inventory controls, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes.

• Ensure compliance with fixed asset management and capitalization requirements.

• Identify and implement working capital improvement opportunities in partnership with Supply Chain and Procurement teams.

• Monitor capital expenditures and investment projects, ensuring spending aligns with approved business plans and governance requirements.

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing finance team.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Support talent development and succession planning.

• Act as a role model for financial stewardship and business partnership.

What Makes You A Strong Fit

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

• Significant experience in Manufacturing Finance, Plant Controlling, or Plant Finance leadership roles.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost accounting, inventory management, and operational finance.

• Experience partnering with Operations and Plant Leadership teams.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.

• SAP or other manufacturing ERP experience.

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and translate financial data into business insights.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.

• Strong problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement approach.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent).

• Experience with a global manufacturing organization.

• MBA or other advanced business qualification.

• SAP S/4HANA experience.

• Background within premium consumer goods, electronics, or industrial manufacturing.

What Makes You Eligible:

• Ability to work onsite at our Worthing manufacturing facility.

• Eligibility to work in the UK.

What You Can Expect:

• Exceptional employee discounts on our legendary products across all brands.
• Enjoy a competitive salary.
• Receive a generous holiday allowance.
• We offer private medical insurance, a cycle to work scheme, and generous employee referral bonuses - we believe in true collaboration and feeling part of something special.
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

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