At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of chemical specialties, process fluids, lubricants, and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial companies and to this day our experience and expertise show in the actions and dedication of our Associates worldwide. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates.
About the job
As an EMEA FP&A Business Partner, you will serve as a trusted advisor to Operations leadership, with a strong focus on manufacturing, plant performance, and supply chain cost structures. You will lead financial planning and analysis activities across plants and operational functions, providing deep insights into manufacturing variances, cost performance, working capital, and operational efficiency.
This role requires a hands-on finance professional with solid plant controlling or manufacturing experience, able to translate complex operational data into clear, actionable insights that improve performance and profitability.
Join the team and grow where your contributions will matter!
What’s in it For You?
- Hybrid work schedule to support work-life balance
- Health insurance, pension plan, and additional benefits
- Access to QH University (500+ learning programs) and career development opportunities
- Dress-for-your-day policy
- Two annual days of paid volunteering leave to dedicate to the cause of your choice
- Access to career growth opportunities in Finance and Operations
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and recognition initiatives, including Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, and PRIDE employee resource groups, as well as Global Giving and Impact Awards programs
What will you do?
- Partner closely with Operations, Plant Managers, and Supply Chain leadership to support decision making and drive performance improvements
- Lead financial planning processes (budgeting, forecasting, rolling plans) for manufacturing and operational cost structures
- Deliver in-depth manufacturing variance analysis (labor, overhead, yield, productivity, absorption) and identify key performance drivers
- Provide actionable insights on plant performance, cost efficiency, and operational KPIs across multiple sites
- Analyze and optimize working capital (inventory, production cycles) and support capex investment cases for manufacturing operations
- Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual operational performance reviews, clearly explaining variances and forward-looking risks and opportunities
- Drive margin improvement initiatives through close monitoring of production costs, efficiencies, and waste reduction
- Partner with Regional Controllers and cross-functional teams (Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, IT) to ensure alignment and consistency of data and processes
- Simplify and standardize reporting tools while maintaining accuracy and integrity
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and financial visibility across plants and operations
- Support global and regional projects related to manufacturing finance and performance optimization
What do we look for?
Experience:
- Solid experience in FP&A / Business Control Operations
- Strong background in supply chain, manufacturing or production environments
- Proven experience in plant cost analysis, manufacturing variances, and operational KPIs
- Exposure to multi-site or regional operations in a matrix organization is a plus
- Experience in process-driven or industrial environments (e.g. chemicals, FMCG, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, automotive) preferred
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Engineering
Language skills: Fluent in English (written and spoken) required for this role.
Soft skills
- Excellent business partnering and influencing skills, especially with non-finance stakeholders (plant and operations teams)
- High level of analytical capability, with the ability to translate data into operational insights
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex manufacturing topics clearly to leadership
- Proactive, hands-on mindset with a strong sense of ownership
- Strong team player with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach
- High safety awareness and alignment with operational environments
We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, even if you do not meet every requirement listed.
Location
Hybrid role based in Uithoorn (NL).
Who are we?
We are a global leader in industrial process and mechanical engineering present in 40+ countries. We are continually improving and innovating so the world’s industrial manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our engineers, chemists and industry experts partner with our customers to play a key role in helping them run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.
Our values: Live Safe , Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity and Do Great Things Together.
Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.
Are you a QH colleague?
Please contact your TA Partner, Honorata Florczak or your HRBP for more information about the role and/or how to apply.
Quaker Houghton is committed to equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of discrimination. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. In line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the salary range for this role is disclosed before the interview to support transparency and consistency in our hiring process. Candidates will not be asked about their salary history. Our company uses a structured job level and salary band framework to support objective and consistent compensation decisions.
#LI-DNI