Plant Controller Manager (Durban West) at Safal Steel

Description
Operational & Manufacturing Finance

• Partner with Plant Operations, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams to improve overall financial and operational performance.
• Monitor capital expenditure (CapEx) and evaluate return on investment (ROI) for key projects.
• Support inventory valuation, working capital management, and stock optimization initiatives.
• Assist in developing pricing strategies through detailed cost structure and margin analysis.
• Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks.
• Work across organizational boundaries and all levels of management to achieve plant and corporate objectives.
• Recommend best practices in financial management and operations, including process improvements, financial modeling, and policy changes.

Cost Controlling & Optimization

• Monitor and analyze production, material, labor, and overhead costs across manufacturing plant and sales branches..
• Identify cost-saving opportunities (PIPs) and drive efficiency improvements in operations.
• Conduct variance analysis (actual vs. budget vs. forecast) and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to optimize production processes, minimize waste, and improve productivity.
• Ensure accurate product costing, margin analysis, and standard cost updates.
• Support cost reduction initiatives in procurement and other overhead areas.
• Monitor and report purchase commitments and spending for all capital programs.
• Conduct follow-up audits to ensure compliance with approved capital investments and cost-saving measures.

Financial Oversight & Internal Controls

• Develop and enforce strong internal controls to minimize theft, fraud, and financial misstatements.
• Conduct regular financial and compliance audits across all plants.
• Partner with Security and Internal Audit teams to monitor high-risk areas (e.g., warehouses, procurement, and cash transactions).
• Monitor cost variances, production efficiency, and material usage to identify anomalies or inefficiencies.
• Perform frequent walk-throughs of manufacturing operations with Plant Leadership to address costing and production issues.
• Conduct branch or retail store visits for verification of inventory and cash handling processes.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Oversee preparation of plant budgets, forecasts, and rolling financial plans.
• Consolidate plant-level financial performance and report to senior management.
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, efficiency, and profitability.
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve forecast accuracy and operational predictability.

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide leadership and direction to Plant Controllers and finance teams across sites.
• Align plant financial objectives with overall corporate strategy and operational excellence targets.
• Act as key financial advisor to Plant Management and the Head of Finance.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching, mentorship, and structured performance reviews.
• Champion a culture of accountability, cost awareness, and continuous improvement.

Systems & Data Integrity (SAP S/4HANA)

• Ensure data integrity and accuracy in SAP S/4HANA, particularly within Production, Costing, and Inventory modules.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in financial systems and reporting processes.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance teams to optimize system workflows and reporting accuracy.

Requirements

• Preferred academic qualification: BCOM in Finance / Production Management or Equivalent  
• General work experience (years): 8–10 years’ experience in manufacturing or plant finance, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Specific to the position (Level/discipline): Proven working knowledge of SAP S/4HANA , with hands on experience Production, costing and Maintenance Module (Prior ERP Administrator experience advantageous)

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