Rutherford Cross is pleased to be partnered with Walker Group to appoint a Financial Planning & Analysis Lead based at its Cambuslang office and reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. Walker provides advanced high-precision manufacturing services to the aerospace and space sectors from centres of excellence located in Scotland, England and Poland. Established over 45 years ago, the business has a rich heritage within the Scottish engineering community. Walker is privately owned and has always risen to the challenges of evolving market requirements. There are currently around 250 talented staff to take care of client project needs, and the business has exciting plans for its continued growth.

This is an exciting time to join a team of ambitious and experienced professionals and play a critical role in shaping the future success of the business.

The FP&A Lead will take ownership of financial planning and forecasting, as well as performing detailed margin analysis and standard cost variance reporting. Partnering with operations, supply chain, and commercial leaders, the successful candidate will help unlock performance, control costs, and maximise profitability.

Financial Planning & Forecasting

• Leading the development and execution of the annual budget, quarterly forecasts and long-term financial plans
• Conducting scenario planning and ad-hoc financial analysis to support strategic initiatives
• Developing and enhancing FP&A processes, models and tools

Margin & Profitability Analysis

• Prepare detailed margin analysis by product, program and customer
• Identify drivers of gross margin fluctuations (price, volume, mix, cost variances)
• Monitor and report on contribution margins, highlighting improvement opportunities
• Perform monthly standard vs. actual cost variance analysis (material usage, purchase price, labour, overhead absorption)
• Partner with site leaders and operational teams to investigate root causes of variances and recommend corrective actions

Business Partnering

• Collaborate with production, supply chain, and commercial teams to align operational efficiency with financial targets
• Provide financial insights for operational decision-making, CAPEX evaluations, and cost-reduction initiatives

Reporting & Data Management

• Drive the development of consistent, insightful and automated reporting and analysis across the Group
• Lead the production of the monthly board pack with a focus on providing clear messaging with concise insight and actions
• Produce and improve management reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking to present insightful financial reports for senior management

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex manufacturing cost data
• Solid understanding of standard costing principles, manufacturing variances, and margin analysis
• Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to senior stakeholders and non-financial stakeholders
• Proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team in a fast-paced and complex environment

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified accountant or qualified by experience
• Significant experience in FP&A, cost accounting, or financial analysis within a manufacturing environment
• Advanced Excel modelling skills; experience with ERP systems and BI tools
• Understanding of SQL (Structured Query Language) would be desirable
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and cost control best practices would be beneficial

On offer is a highly attractive salary plus excellent benefits including private healthcare.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.