Controller/in Business (m/f/d) - COGS & Cost Control

We are looking for a Regional Business Controller (m/f/d) to drive cost transparency and performance steering across our German business units during an exciting integration and scale-up phase.

The focus of this role is on COGS, OPEX, budgeting and working capital, supporting operational leaders with strong analytical insights and hands-on controlling. Location: Düsseldorf (hybrid: 4 days office / 1 day home office) with occasional travel within Germany.

Build a consistent COGS view across German business units (materials, packaging, production, logistics)

Analyze cost deviations vs. Budget / Forecast / Previous Year and identify key cost drivers

Challenge Operations and BU leads on cost development and support improvement initiatives

Budgeting & Forecasting Coordinate German budget and forecast processes across business units

Ensure clean assumptions, clear cost ownership and timely reforecasting

Implement pragmatic budget vs. actual tracking to prevent overruns

Analytics & Reporting Improve analytical reporting on top of ERP and accounting systems

Support KPI, structure and reporting harmonisation

Work close with Group Data Analyst, Group Business Controller and Accounting Teams

Working Capital Steering Drive inventory transparency and cash impact monitoring

Support AR/AP steering together with the Finance Director Germany

Act as a right hand to the Finance Director Germany on working capital topics

3–6 years of experience in Business Controlling, Operations Controlling or Business Analysis

Experience in a dynamic environment search as PE-backed, scale-up or integration-driven companies

Exposure to multi-entity or multi-business unit setups

Background in cost- and inventory-heavy industries (FMCG, production, logistics)

Skills and Tools Strong Excel and analytical structuring skills

Solid understanding of ERP systems and financial processes

First experience with BI tools (Power BI is a plus)

Ability to translate numbers into actions and business steering

Mindset We are looking for a hands-on, pragmatic and execution-oriented profile. You are comfortable with ambiguity and change, willing to challenge cost owners constructively, and see controlling as business steering, not policing.

Being part of a fast-growing, entrepreneurial company in one of the most exciting FMCG segments (premium pet food)

A key finance role with strong impact on cost transparency, performance steering and business integration

Attractive career development opportunities with clear growth potential within the organization

Competitive salary package including

Hybrid working model: 4 days office / 1 day home office in Düsseldorf

Collaboration with international teams and exposure to a PE-backed scale-up environment