Regional Controller Animal Nutrition

The company

Our client is a private equity backed world leader in animal nutrition and related solutions. Our client manufactures products and supplies technical support for various species, including ruminants, poultry, swine and pets. With over 100 plants in 30 countries, the company employs almost 9.000 employees, and reported sales results of nearly € 2 billion in 2007, which is an increase of 16.6 % compared to 2006.


The position

To reinforce the financial management of the region in the Animal Nutrition division we are looking for an experienced and high potential Regional Controller. The region set-up is not defined yet, but may cover the following countries: Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. This region generates about € 700 million sales.
The Regional Controller is the sparring partner of the Group Vice President(s). He is working hand in hand with his GVP(s) to manage the region and contribute to the achievement of the strategic plan of our client in term of profit, working capital and investments.

Tasks & responsibilities

Support GVP(s):

• Implement the strategic initiatives of our client in the profit centers
• Develop a local strategy and ensure a rapid and effective execution of the strategy
• Set challenging targets for profit centers and ensure that the targets are (over)achieved (profit, working capital, capex, business development …)
• Challenge the profit center to maximize the opportunities and think out of the box
• Contribute to optimize the resource allocation within the region and within the organization
• Support special projects such as restructuring, divestments, acquisition, ERP implementation, shared services implementation

Drive the financial agenda:

• Strategic annual planning
• Rolling forecast
• Ensure the timely and accurate reporting of all local units
• Prepare and analyse monthly results
• Advise the GVPs and the management on financial and business issues

Support local finance organization:

• Provide leadership, direction and support to the local finance organization:
• Ensure a proper organizational set-up of the local finance organizations
• Support and coaching for the local Finance Directors

Is an interface between the Holding / Corporate function and the local organization regarding:

• Treasury
• Tax
• Internal Audit
• Risk Management
• Legal Affairs
• Business development

Occasionally the Regional Controller can also be assigned global or Corporate projects.
Frequent travels are requested (about 50%).

Profile ideal candidate

• Solid personality
• Strong leadership
• Team player
• Self starter
• High energy level and tenacious
• Entrepreneurial attitude
• Business and results oriented
• Both hands-on and strategic thinking
• Ideally both operational and functional experience at a similar job level
• Experience in an industrial environment
• International experience
• Able to manage different cultures and styles
• Excellent communicating and social skills
• Fluent in English, German is a pre