Operations Controller EMEA

Apex Tool Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Operations Controller EMEA - DE - Westhausen

Job Summary

The Operations Controller is responsible for overseeing financial and operational performance within the manufacturing and supply chain functions. The scope encompasses our manufacturing locations in Germany (Westhausen), Switzerland (Bevaix), Hungary (Gyor) and Distribution Center in Netherlands (Emmen). This role ensures cost control, financial planning, and strategic decision support to drive efficiency, profitability, and compliance with corporate and regional financial policies. The Operations Controller collaborates closely with plant management, finance teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to optimize financial performance, improve cost structures, and enhance operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Planning & Controlling

• Drive monthly financial analysis for manufacturing, supply chain, and operations, ensuring alignment with budgets and forecasts
• Lead variance analysis (actual vs. budget vs. forecast) for manufacturing costs, material variances, labor efficiency, and overhead expenses
• Oversee cost accounting and inventory valuation to ensure financial accuracy and operational efficiency
• Ensure CAPEX monitoring and adherence to financial guidelines for capital investments
• Support pricing, cost structure, and profitability analysis to enhance business decision-making

2. Operational Performance & Cost Control

• Partner with plant managers and supply chain teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements
• Track and improve OPEX performance, working with operations teams on productivity enhancements
• Lead working capital management efforts, optimizing inventory levels and cash flow
• Monitor KPIs such as productivity, efficiency, inventory turnover, and cost per unit to drive operational excellence

3. Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with corporate financial policies, SOX requirements, and regional regulatory standards
• Prepare and present financial reports, dashboards, and business insights for senior leadership
• Manage and improve internal controls related to manufacturing finance, inventory, and procurement processes
• Support audits and compliance reviews, ensuring data accuracy and process Integrity

4. Business Partnering & Process Improvement

• Work closely with Finance, Supply Chain, and Plant Operations to drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in strategy deployment by aligning financial metrics with operational goals
• Identify and implement automation and process optimization for finance and reporting workflows
• Lead financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making

Critical Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Economics
• 5+ years of experience in operations finance, manufacturing controlling, or FP&A within an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Strong background in cost accounting, financial analysis, and operational finance
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and financial reporting tools
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other analytics platforms
• Strong knowledge of costing methods, standard costing, and variance analysis
• Familiarity with SOX compliance, IFRS, and US GAAP accounting principles
• Fluent in German and English

What we offer:

• Attractive Salary package
• 30 days vacation
• International environment
• Many employee benefits / employee offers (corporate benefits)
• Bike-Leasing
• Opportunities for further training and development
• Home Office possibility

At Apex Tool Group (www.apextoolgroup.com), we’re passionate about innovation. Whether that be products, processes or operations, our associates strive to find new ways each day to help our end-users solve their most complex challenges. By harnessing our global resources, unprecedented insights and spirit for service, we build more than just tools for the job site – we help build the future.

ATG is a global manufacturer of hand and power tools, tool storage and accessories, chain, and electronic soldering solutions with more than $1.4 billion in annual revenues. Our 6,900 global associates have built powerhouse brands like GEARWRENCH®, SATA®, Crescent®, Cleco®, Weller® and APEX® that professional trades and DIY enthusiasts alike can trust to get the job done. With our roots dating back to the 1800s, our tools have driven technological advancements that drive efficiency, speed and end-user safety in a broad range of commercial and consumer markets.

As part of the ATG team, you will move fast, think globally, learn from your colleagues and grow your career. You’ll enjoy competitive benefits, a healthy work/life balance and have opportunities to give back to the communities we serve.
Our six core values – Customers come first, Integrity in all we do, Continuous improvement, Innovation for growth, Passion to succeed and Best talent, one team - drive our daily decisions. Connect with us on social media to learn more – LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

If your goal is to work where finding a better way never ends and your ideas become a reality, join us! #WeBuildATG