Guided Search Partners (GSP)
Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a well-established automotive manufacturing operation seeking a Plant Controller to step into a high-visibility onsite finance leadership role. This opening comes as the current Controller prepares to retire, creating a strong transition opportunity for someone who wants to make an immediate impact. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing finance professional who enjoys being close to plant operations, partnering with leadership, and helping drive performance. You’ll join a stable facility with meaningful scale, strong plant leadership, and a clear need for a trusted financial voice onsite.

What You’ll Do

• Lead all plant financial activities and serve as the key finance partner to onsite leadership.
  
• Own month-end close, weekly forecasting, and the annual budgeting process.
  
• Partner closely with the Plant GM to support decision-making and improve financial performance.
  
• Work cross-functionally with plant leaders, including Materials, to align financial goals with operational priorities.
  
• Provide clear analysis, visibility, and insight that helps the plant stay on track and perform at a high level.

Who You Are

You’re a strong manufacturing finance professional who knows how to work in a plant environment and build credibility with operations leaders. You’re analytical, practical, and confident in a visible role where your insight supports both daily execution and long-term planning. You enjoy ownership, communicate clearly, and know how to balance detail with business perspective.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3–5+ years of manufacturing finance experience
• Prior Plant Controller or similar plant finance leadership experience
• Strong financial reporting and analysis skills
• Automotive industry experience, including sales and release process knowledge
• Comfortable in an onsite, unionized manufacturing environment

Why This Role Matters

This is a critical role for the plant. You’ll be the onsite financial leader, partnering closely with operations while connecting into corporate finance. Your work will directly support plant performance, financial discipline, and leadership decision-making. It’s also a timely opportunity. With an upcoming retirement, the right person can step in quickly, gain valuable transition overlap, and take ownership of a role that offers visibility, impact, and long-term value.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to the Director of FP&A
• Works closely with the Plant GM and plant leadership team
• Collaborates across plant operations and corporate finance