Business Controller – Cargo

Job description

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers, delivering ground handling, cargo, travel and flight catering services across more than 30 countries. At Schiphol Airport, our Cargo operation plays a critical role in supporting efficient, reliable and commercially strong cargo operations.

To support our continued growth and operational development, we seek an experienced, commercially focused Business Controller to work closely with our Cargo Operations leadership team.

The Opportunity

As Business Controller Cargo, you will play a key role in driving financial performance, commercial insight and operational excellence within one of dnata's most important business units.

You will work closely with Cargo Operations management and commercial to translate operational activity and business strategy into clear financial insight. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, cost control and performance management, while challenging assumptions, identifying improvement opportunities, supporting tactical business initiatives and strengthening financial governance.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of one of Schiphol's largest cargo operations, partnering directly with senior operational leaders to influence business decisions, improve business performance and help shape the future of Cargo Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Business partnering & performance management

• Act as the primary finance business partner for Cargo Operations management.

• Provide operational leadership with financial analysis, scenario modelling and practical recommendations.

• Translate operational performance into financial impact, identify opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency, and support operational and strategic decision-making through actionable financial insight.

• Challenge assumptions and offer constructive financial guidance to support decision-making.

• Support programme management activities from a financial and ICT perspective where required.

Financial planning & analysis

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and planning activities for Cargo Operations.

• Monitor financial performance against targets and proactively identify risks and opportunities.

• Support cost control and resource allocation by analysing cost drivers, productivity and operational performance.

• Develop business cases and scenario analyses to support major business decisions and operational initiatives.

• Ensure financial planning activities translate business strategy into actionable financial plans that align with operational cycles and business objectives.

Reporting & Insights

• Deliver accurate, timely and insightful management reporting.

• Create dashboards and performance metrics to support operational and financial performance.

• Analyse financial and operational data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.

• Translate complex financial information into clear, structured and actionable business insights.

• Provide clear recommendations that support informed decision-making at operational and leadership level, ensuring stakeholders receive timely and actionable financial insights.

Governance & Control

• Ensure compliance with financial policies, reporting standards, internal controls and The dnata Way.

• Support audit activities and maintain strong financial integrity and transparency.

• Apply a risk-based approach to financial planning and analysis, ensuring decisions are supported by appropriate data, due diligence and sound financial governance.

• Monitor financial risks related to cost, performance and operations, and support mitigation actions where needed.

• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, reporting and controls.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Manage, coach and develop a small Business Control team, ensuring effective execution of day-to-day controlling activities and supporting individual growth and high performance.

• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety and continuous improvement.

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, data quality and performance management.

• Champion the dnata Vision, Mission and Values, lead by example in safety and compliance, and contribute to a high-performance culture.

Job requirements

Experience

• 8-12 years of experience in Business Controlling, FP&A or Finance Business Partnering.

• Experience supporting operational businesses, preferably within aviation, logistics or another operational environment.

• Proven experience in stakeholder management, translating business strategy into financial plans and supporting decision-making at Director level.

• Experience in aviation, logistics, transportation, hospitality or other operational environments is highly desirable.

• Experience managing or developing finance professionals is preferred.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Economics or a related field.

Skills & Competencies

• Analytical and commercially minded.

• Strong financial analysis, modelling and business case development skills.

• Ability to assess the financial implications of operational and strategic decisions.

• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear and actionable business insight.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Collaborative, proactive and comfortable working in a dynamic operational setting.

• Fluent in Dutch and English, both written and spoken.

Why Join dnata?

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of one of Schiphol's largest cargo operations, partnering directly with senior leaders to influence strategy, improve business performance and help shape the future of Cargo Operations.

At dnata, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in one of the most important operational environments in the Netherlands. You will work closely with experienced leaders, contribute to business performance and help strengthen the future of our Cargo operation at Schiphol Airport.

If you are a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys combining analysis, business partnering and operational impact, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Interested?

If you are looking for a role where you can influence business decisions, partner with operational leaders and help shape the financial performance of a complex cargo operation, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Apply via the button below. If you would like to learn more about the role before submitting your application, please contact us for a confidential conversation.

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