Business Division Controller - Polymers

The Director Controlling is the financial lead for the Polymers Business in the NCA region directly supporting the Division Vice President in achieving the strategic, operational, and financial goals and objectives of the business. Polymers NCA has ~240 employees at 3 US sites and 2 sites in Latin America. The incumbent is a member of the regional leadership team and, in that capacity, provides financial guidance and consultation to the broader organization regionally and from a functional perspective. Must maintain a strong cross-functional network with various organizations in US, Germany, and other countries. Close collaboration with global colleagues is essential to ensure alignment within the business from an operational and strategic standpoint, and for implementation of new tools and processes from a functional standpoint. Participates in global division strategic and operational planning meetings and other global division and controlling meetings as necessary.

The controller is responsible for directing the timely analysis and reporting of Division financial results to facilitate understanding of profitability drivers and performance vs. expectations. The incumbent takes the lead role in coordinating the budgeting and forecast process for the regional business. Individual provides the “communication bridge” to the broader financial organization to advocate for the needs of the business. The controller is responsible to ensure that all investment projects are appropriately analyzed and reviewed so that informed investment decisions are made. The controller plays a valuable role in assisting the Division Vice President to drive programs aimed at productivity, profit improvement or other strategic initiatives.

• Provide business advice and counsel to the Division Vice President through active participation in the regional leadership team, acting as the business interface with other finance disciplines and actively participating in the development of business operating strategies.

• Direct the timely and accurate completion ongoing operational analysis required by Division, Region, or Corporate management. This includes the monthly reports, forecasts, budgets, and strategic planning. Support other functional groups within Polymers in utilizing various information tools to support business needs.

• Establishes and maintains cost center planning and analysis of expenses within NCA region. Support continuous improvement projects in the region and drive cost efficiency.

• Prepare financial evaluations of capital expenditures, ensuring analyses and approval documents are prepared in accordance with regional and corporate procedures. Provide an independent view of the merits of individual projects from a broader strategic perspective.

• Supports/prepares presentations for all levels of management on business performance. Deliver presentations on business results in various settings, including monthly leadership meetings, regional and global Controlling meetings, and broader employee meetings.

• Provide analytical support for major supplier and partner contract negotiation to ensure the impact on the business is well understood. Responsible for the integrity of sales contract administration for long-term contracts of the business, including analysis and approval of customer contracts to maintain appropriate level of profitability and ensure customer agreements can be effectively administered.

• Supervises the business team controllers supporting the division. This includes the timely completion of employee reviews and assessments, as well as supporting their continued development.

Requirements:

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• Bachelor required, MBA preferred

• 10+ years related experience

• Ability to travel up to 30% or less, to US sites, as well as Germany

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills

• In-depth knowledge of cash flow and operational analysis techniques

• Proven planning, analysis, and decision-making skills

• Experience with and knowledge of financial systems and tools (Excel, SAP S/4 HANA)

• Familiarity with data access and visualization tools such as SAP Analytic Cloud and Tableau

• Effective communication skills, encompassing verbal, written, and presentation skills

• Ability to work across all functions and levels of the organization, applying influence skills to ensure proper controls, support change initiatives, and drive business results

• Ability to mentor nonfinancial personnel about the ways in which profit is created or destroyed

• Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to create and sustain a network within the Wacker organization to effectively align regional actions with global Division goals

• Knowledge of key markets and applications for products sold, as well as an awareness of the supplier and competitor landscape is valuable to put the business in context

• Must possess strong leadership skills, both in the management of the controlling department, as well as financial and strategic leadership of the Division as part of the management team

• Position typically requires participation at least once per year in global Polymers management team meetings, as well as periodic presence at Calvert City, KY manufacturing site or other WCC locations