About the job

A global chemical manufacturing leader is seeking an accomplished Senior Finance Director to lead the financial strategy and governance of its high-volume production sites within APAC. This role will serve as the key business partner to the VP of SBU and a strategic interface with the regional and global C-suite, driving both performance and transformation at the site and business unit levels. This role reports directly to the CFO.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership

– Act as the lead financial advisor to the VP and senior leadership, contributing to operational strategy, long-range planning, and P&L performance.

– Shape and execute cost transformation initiatives to improve manufacturing competitiveness through value engineering, lean practices, and margin improvement programs.

– Partner with group leadership to implement digital finance transformation, including automation of reporting, forecasting, and analytics capabilities.

– Drive site-level strategic initiatives aligned with group direction, focusing on financial agility, scalability, and sustainable cost advantage.

Planning, Controlling & Working Capital Optimization

– Lead the annual budget, forecasts, and monthly performance analysis to ensure target delivery and alignment with global timelines.

– Oversee product costing, transfer pricing, and new product financial assessments to ensure profitability and commercial alignment.

– Ensure accurate, timely reporting into corporate platforms (ICT, Bison, Siera or equivalents) in compliance with IFRS/local GAAP.

– Champion effective working capital management, with disciplined control of inventories, receivables, and payables to maximize cash generation and operational efficiency.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

– Ensure full compliance with internal controls, SOX requirements, statutory obligations, and audit protocols.

– Lead risk mapping and mitigation strategies, developing and implementing business continuity and crisis management plans in alignment with corporate frameworks.

– Govern financial stewardship of the legal entity including balance sheet integrity, statutory P&L, and cashflow forecasting.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

– Partner with operations leadership to identify, prioritize, and track continuous improvement and cost-reduction projects.

– Deliver measurable OE functional savings through standardization, digitalization, and cross-functional alignment.

Leadership, C-Suite Engagement & Team Development

– Build and lead a high-performing finance team, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and performance oversight.

– Regularly engage with regional and global C-suite executives, ensuring financial alignment and strategic transparency.

– Foster a culture of ownership, compliance, and business partnership across the site.

Qualifications & Experience:

– Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, AICPA); MBA highly desirable

– Minimum 15 years of finance experience, including:

– 8+ years in a manufacturing and supply chain finance environment

– 5+ years in senior finance leadership, ideally at a plant or SBU level

– Strong business acumen with the ability to influence cross-functional and executive-level stakeholders

– Excellent communication and leadership skills, with demonstrated experience in complex, matrixed MNC settings