Group Business Controller

Company

Pearle Europe B.V. operates optical retail chains in eighteen, primarily European, countries. At the end of 2007 the chains had a total of 2,198 stores (of which 631 operated under franchise agreements).
The total annual systemwide sales of these stores amounted to approximately € 1.3 billion. The company employs approximately 8,600 people and its head office is located at Amsterdam Airport.
Sales for 2007 increased by € 154 million to € 1,038 million and same store sales increased by 4.4% (2006: 4.6%). In addition, sales increased as a result of store openings, the acquisition in 2006 of the Italian, Portuguese and Czech subsidiaries of GrandVision, the Norvegian Optikk Norge A/S chain and the German Krane-Optic chain. Operating income of Pearle Europe amounted to € 190 million (2006: € 138 million).

Position

The Group Business Controller will be responsible for the identification of critical business issues and business improvement areas in the various countries of the Pearle Europe Group based on detailed analysis and benchmarking of information from Group and Local Management Information Systems.

The most important tasks & responsibilities include: 

• Analysis of both country/store information and management information from the countries 
• Provide benchmarking information on all relevant aspects of the business performance 
• Identify business critical issues and areas for business improvement 
• Prepare valuation models for potential acquisition candidates 
• Participate in internal audits within the group as well as in due diligence processes 
• No direct reports. Works closely together with the Manager Group Finance and Reporting and with the Group Financial Controller.

Profile

• Flexible self starter who likes to work in teams, however can also operate independently 
• Broad business view 
• Highly developed analytical skills 
• Good communicator, both verbally and in writing 
• Strong personality 
• University degree in business administration/controlling 
• Minimum 5/6 year relevant experience in large retailing company (part of international group) 
• High integrity and honesty 
• Fluency in English 
• Excellent knowledge and proficiency in Excel

Interested?

You can apply by using the form below. For more information you can contact Piet Hein Barkmeijer at 020 - 881 3100.