SAR Platform Lead Controller

Overview

Lead cost controlling, financial governance and strategic planning for Lonza's Business Platforms as the primary finance partner to Platform Leadership, leading a team of cost controllers.

What you'll do

• Act as the primary finance partner to Business Platform Leadership on all cost-controlling, SAR and financial governance matters
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of cost controllers, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders to drive financial transparency, cost discipline and informed decision-making
• Challenge assumptions, evaluate opportunities and provide actionable recommendations to improve cost efficiency and business performance
• Partner with the SAR Head and broader Finance leadership to execute strategic initiatives and drive organizational change
• Own and lead the end-to-end SAR process across the Business Platforms, ensuring consistency, quality and governance
• Establish and maintain standardized methodologies, controls and reporting frameworks that drive comparability and transparency across platforms
• Translate SAR outcomes into management insights, highlighting key cost drivers, risks, opportunities and trends
• Analyze overhead spending, FTE movements, project investments and service-related costs to support proactive decision-making
• Ensure financial data integrity, policy compliance and adherence to Group accounting and controlling standards
• Lead the preparation of financial Outlooks, annual target-setting and BSR long-range planning across the Business Platforms
• Create alignment between actual results, SAR outputs, forecasts and long-term plans
• Partner closely with FP&A and Platform Leadership to challenge assumptions, assess scenarios and support strategic decisions
• Develop and maintain financial models to support headcount planning, cost evolution analyses, productivity programs and strategic investments
• Provide transparency on planning assumptions, financial variances and business risks, recommending corrective actions where necessary
• Drive simplification, standardization and automation across cost-controlling and reporting processes
• Strengthen controlling governance through enhanced policies, cost-center structures, reporting frameworks and process controls
• Lead the adoption of digital finance tools, automated reporting solutions and advanced analytics capabilities
• Foster a data-driven culture by improving data quality, reducing manual activities and increasing operational efficiency
• Leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance business insights, forecasting accuracy and finance process effectiveness
• Deliver ad-hoc analysis and executive-level insights on cost structures, overhead management, project spending and financial performance
• Support transformation initiatives, cost optimization programs and strategic business projects across the organization
• Identify emerging financial risks and opportunities and recommend actions that strengthen operational and financial performance

What you'll need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline
• 10-12 years of progressive experience in cost controlling, FP&A, finance business partnering, cost accounting or related finance leadership roles within a complex global organization
• Deep expertise in cost-controlling methodologies, overhead management, cost transparency frameworks, financial governance and management reporting
• Strong experience leading budgeting, forecasting, target-setting and long-term planning processes across business functions
• Demonstrated success partnering with senior global stakeholders and influencing strategic business decisions through financial insights
• Proven leadership experience managing, mentoring and developing high-performing teams in a matrixed environment
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a track record of translating complex financial data into actionable recommendations
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial modeling and financial systems, including SAP and reporting or analytics platforms
• Experience driving digital transformation, automation initiatives and continuous process improvement within finance organizations
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational execution
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Highly resilient, adaptable, detail-oriented and committed to accuracy, governance and continuous improvement
• Business-fluent English required

Nice to have

• Professional qualifications such as CMA, CPA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent certifications
• Additional language capabilities

Details

• Location: Hyderabad, India
• Office-first role, with remote working for up to 20% of your time (one day per week)