about the opportunity

our client, a leading general tier 1 automotive supplier, is seeking an experienced plant controller to join its manufacturing leadership team at its facility in cuautitlan, estado de méxico.

this is a strategic finance leadership role responsible for overseeing all plant financial activities, partnering closely with operations to improve profitability, optimize manufacturing costs, support capital investments, and drive business performance in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

the ideal candidate combines strong financial expertise with a hands-on approach, excellent business partnering skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing operations.

key responsibilities:

- lead all financial activities for the manufacturing facility.
- prepare monthly financial statements, forecasts, budgets, and annual operating plans.
- analyze manufacturing variances including labor, material, overhead, scrap, and inventory.
- partner with plant management to identify cost reduction and productivity improvement opportunities.
- monitor plant kpis and provide financial analysis to support operational decision-making.
- ensure compliance with corporate financial policies, internal controls, and accounting standards.
- manage the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
- perform profitability analysis by product, customer, and manufacturing process.
- oversee inventory accuracy, physical inventories, cycle counts, and inventory valuation.
- support capital expenditure (capex) planning, justification, tracking, and post-project reviews.
- lead monthly closing activities ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- coordinate internal and external audits.
- analyze working capital performance including inventory, receivables, and payables.
- develop financial models to support strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
- lead, coach, and develop the plant finance team.




- serve as the primary financial business partner to the plant manager and operations leadership team.

qualifications/requirements:

- bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field, mba and/or cpa is a plus.
- minimum 7-10 years of progressive finance/accounting experience within manufacturing.
- minimum 3 years in a plant controller or senior manufacturing finance leadership role.
- experience within the automotive industry (tier 1 preferred).

strong understanding of:

- standard cost and manufacturing cost accounting
- budgeting & forecasting
- inventory controls
- financial planning & analysis (fp&a;)
- internal controls
- capex management
- variance analysis
- experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations.
- advanced excel skills.
- erp experience.
- power bi or similar reporting tools are a plus.
- fluent english required.

desired competencies:

- strategic business partner
- strong analytical thinking
- results-oriented
- excellent communication skills
- leadership and people development
- high integrity and accountability
- decision-making based on data
- continuous improvement mindset
- ability to influence cross-functional teams
- strong problem-solving skills

what you'll be responsible for:

- financial performance
- cost control
- manufacturing profitability
- budget accuracy
- forecast reliability
- inventory accuracy
- compliance & internal controls
- operational financial support
- capital investment analysis
- continuous financial improvement

ideal background:

we are particularly interested in professionals who have worked in:

- tier 1 automotive suppliers
- high-volume manufacturing
- lean manufacturing environments
- multi-product manufacturing plants
- international manufacturing organizations

why consider this opportunity?

- join a globally recognized automotive manufacturer.
- be a key member of the plant leadership team.
- influence strategic and operational decisions.
- work in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- excellent opportunity for long-term career growth within a global organization.

📌 Plant controller (México)
🏢 Optima Organizational Solutions
📍 México