Business Controller

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, specialising in advanced pump design and manufacturing. From energy and water to chemicals and industrial markets, we support critical infrastructure and essential industries worldwide. With over 13,500 employees globally, a CHF 3.5 billion turnover, and shares listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange, Sulzer combines global scale with local expertise. Our Leeds facility sits at the heart of our engineering excellence delivering complex, high-value solutions to customers across the UK and beyond.
We are looking for a commercially astute Business Controller to join our Leeds operation. This is not a traditional reporting role, we need a true finance business partner—someone who will sit alongside senior stakeholders, challenge thinking, influence decisions and actively shape the commercial and operational performance of the business.

Key Responsibilities 

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing strategic and operational decisions 

• Provide clear, actionable financial insights to drive profitability, efficiency and growth 

• Partner closely with operations, sales, and engineering to support large, complex projects 

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes 

• Analyse order intake, margins, cost structures, and working capital performance 

• Identify risks and opportunities, ensuring robust financial control 

• Drive continuous improvement across finance systems and processes  

• Support investment decisions and business cases 

What We’re Looking For 

• Proven experience as a Business Controller / Finance Business Partner in a manufacturing or engineering environment 

• Strong commercial acumen with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders 

• Experience supporting high-value, complex operations  

• Advanced knowledge of SAP and strong data analysis capability 

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) 

• A proactive, hands-on mindset with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically 

What we offer you

We’ve recently invested significantly in modernising our Leeds facility — creating a brighter, more efficient, and more advanced workspace designed to support high‑quality work and a great employee experience. Alongside our upgraded facilities, you’ll benefit from: 

Core Benefits 

• A competitive salary  

• Annual bonus scheme linked to personal and company performance. 

• Private medical insurance (individual cover through Aviva) 

• 33 days’ holiday 

• Defined pension contribution 

• Employee Assistance Programmes 

• Discounts on shopping, entertainment & lifestyle 

• Costco membership option 

• Discounted personal car leasing for you, family & friends 

• Long Service Awards 

• Ongoing learning through Sulzer Learning Pathways 

• Armed Forces Support – As a Silver Award holder of the MoD Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively support veterans, reservists and Cadet Adult Volunteers. This includes policies that enable time for training, camps and deployment, alongside access to a growing internal military network. 

Onsite Perks 

• Free, secure parking with EV charging 

• Multi-faith prayer room 

• Newly modernised work areas 

• Community & Wellbeing 

• Lively Sports & Social Club with events & prize draws 

• 24/7 onsite gym 

• Subsidised vending machines 

• Subsidised Canteen offering hot and cold food 

Working Pattern  

Due to the nature of the role, regular onsite presence in Leeds is required. That said, we take a mature and flexible approach to ways of working, recognising the importance of balance and autonomy. Occasional home working can therefore be supported where appropriate, although this is not a fully hybrid role. We also offer a flexi-time policy, enabling you to bank hours and take service leave, supporting a fair and balanced approach to working life. 

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
 

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.