Senior Finance Director, Supply Chain and Manufacturing

The Senior Finance Director at Fluence is responsible for developing a high-performing global finance team, managing budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting for the supply chain organization. This role also involves overseeing project costs, including authorization and cost control, providing financial insights into supply chain decisions, and co-managing the Sales & Operating Planning (S&OP) process.

To qualify for the Senior Finance Director position at Fluence, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of managerial experience in finance roles, specifically in industrial manufacturing. A proven track record in managing businesses with over $1 billion in annual revenue, strong communication skills, and preferably a Bachelor's degree, along with a Master’s in accounting, business administration, finance, or equivalent training, is essential.

Experience in the energy or energy storage sectors is highly advantageous for the Senior Finance Director role at Fluence. Knowledge of financial performance management within a high-growth environment, as well as experience in developing systems and processes for financial operations, will also be beneficial.

The Senior Finance Director contributes to customer satisfaction at Fluence by providing financial insights that help the supply chain and operations align with customer needs. By managing budgets and project costs effectively, this role ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to exceed customer expectations and drive continuous improvement.

Fluence promotes a culture of openness and inclusiveness, encouraging active listening and collaboration. The Senior Finance Director is expected to foster this environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. By nurturing innovation and customer-centric initiatives, you’ll be integral to our mission to deliver lasting impact in the energy sector.

When addressing your experience, focus on specific projects where you had budgetary control. Describe your approach to financial planning, monitoring, and controlling costs while highlighting any significant costs savings or improvements you achieved.

Explain your method of analyzing financial data to support decision-making. Discuss any tools or processes you employ to evaluate the financial implications of operational choices, such as conducting variance analysis or cost-benefit analysis.

Prepare to illustrate a particular negotiation scenario, focusing on your strategy and the results. Emphasize how your financial insights contributed to a favorable outcome, and how the negotiation positively impacted the overall supply chain performance.

Discuss your leadership style and the methods you implement to motivate and develop your team. Mention how you encourage open communication, set clear objectives, and support their professional growth through mentorship or training programs.

Express your commitment to continuous learning. Mention specific resources or networks you engage with, such as forums, journals, or industry conferences, that help you remain informed about relevant changes in financial regulations and industry innovations.

Provide a detailed account of your involvement in the S&OP process, including your role in facilitating collaboration between departments, ensuring alignment of forecasts with financial goals, and evaluating potential discrepancies in performance measures.

Explain the criteria you use for project assessment, such as ROI analysis, market research, or financial modeling. Illustrate how you communicate your findings and recommendations to stakeholders to make informed decisions about potential collaborations.

Be specific about the financial systems you’ve used in previous roles, highlighting your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools. Mention any relevant certifications you hold that demonstrate your proficiency.

Discuss specific challenges you’ve faced, such as rapid scaling or unexpected market changes, and how you navigated those obstacles. Emphasize your ability to adapt, re-evaluate priorities, and implement effective financial controls under pressure.

Articulate the importance of communication in your role, focusing on how you share complex financial information with non-financial stakeholders. Describe your approach to making financial data accessible and actionable for various teams across the organization.