Finance Business Partner - Manufacturing

Role overview

This position is part of the finance team within a global consulting organisation and is embedded in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. The Finance Business Partner will own cost control, financial planning, and investment evaluation across manufacturing activities, serving as a key connection between finance and operations.

Core responsibilities

• Set, monitor, and manage manufacturing cost goals, including HPU and CPU measures.
• Build detailed shop-level cost centres for areas such as Stamping, Body, Paint, Assembly, Powertrain, Battery, Utilities, and Logistics.
• Oversee governance for manufacturing cost structures and ensure costing remains accurate.
• Run standard costing processes and analyse variances at shop level.
• Create and update cost targets at vehicle and model level based on production volumes.
• Track manufacturing performance indicators such as OEE, throughput, rework, downtime, and scrap, and connect them to financial outcomes.
• Produce monthly financial reports that compare actual results with budget and forecast.
• Carry out detailed variance reviews and provide clear explanations of underlying drivers.
• Consolidate and reconcile financial information across planning and reporting cycles to maintain consistency and accuracy.
• Prepare ROI and NPV analysis to assess manufacturing investments and cost improvement initiatives.
• Develop profitability models that include payback periods and return measures.
• Support senior leaders with structured financial analysis for decision-making.
• Perform benchmarking studies to evaluate cost competitiveness across manufacturing operations.
• Contribute to and help drive cost reduction opportunities and operational efficiency gains.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to align financial goals with operational priorities.
• Assist with labour demand planning and overhead cost strategies.
• Deliver practical financial insights and recommendations to support business decisions.

Skills and experience required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline; professional certification is an added advantage.
• Three to six years of finance experience, with direct exposure to manufacturing environments.
• Experience in supply chain, product costing, BoM structures, FP&A, or large-scale operations finance.
• Advanced financial modelling ability and strong command of Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of ERP platforms such as SAP or Oracle; data visualisation tool experience is beneficial.
• Strong grasp of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Working knowledge of headcount planning, workforce cost management, payroll accounting, accruals, and financial statements.
• Analytical ability to turn complex data into practical insights.
• Proven relationship-building skills with cross-functional stakeholders.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on data accuracy, integrity, and internal controls.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

About the company

Senna is a career platform focused on finance professionals seeking stronger opportunities and more strategic career direction. It supports candidates in clarifying goals, identifying the right roles, and accessing tailored guidance across the MENA finance market.