Commercial Business Partner - Operations - - 43331 - Fletcher Building

General Information

Job Type

Permanent

Description

Iplex Pipelines NZ is a leading manufacturer and supplier of plastic pipeline systems in New Zealand. We manufacture and supply pipeline systems for a diverse range of applications covering water supply, sewerage, stormwater, irrigation, rural, energy, communications, and industrial. Iplex has manufacturing facilities throughout NZ, enabling high service levels to our customers and dedicated markets.

About the Role

We’re looking for a commercially focused Manufacturing Business Partner to join the Iplex team in Palmerston North or Christchurch. If you are based in Christchurch, you must be able to travel to Palmerston North every fortnight for 2-3 days at a time. In this key finance role, you’ll partner closely with manufacturing and operational leaders to provide financial insights, improve performance, and support strategic decision-making across the plant.

You’ll play a critical role in driving operational efficiency through accurate reporting, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working closely with the business, influencing outcomes, and contributing to continuous improvement within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities include:

Partner with plant and operational leaders to provide financial guidance and commercial support
Deliver timely and accurate monthly reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis
Support budgeting and planning processes across manufacturing operations
Analyse manufacturing performance, including labour, overheads, production costs, and inventory
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, profitability, and cost control
Support capital expenditure analysis and business case development
Ensure strong financial controls, process compliance, and data integrity
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across systems, reporting, and processes

About You

You’ll be a proactive and commercially minded finance professional who enjoys partnering with operational teams and turning financial data into meaningful business insights. You will ideally bring:

CA/CPA qualification with relevant tertiary education
5+ years’ experience in commercial finance, manufacturing finance, or business partnering roles
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, cost accounting, and inventory management
Experience working within large or complex business environments
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools (SAP experience advantageous)
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to influence decision-making and build credibility with operational leaders
Able to travel if you are based in Christchurch

Why Join Iplex?

At Iplex, you’ll join a supportive and collaborative team within one of New Zealand’s leading infrastructure and manufacturing businesses. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with operational leadership, contribute to meaningful business outcomes, and further develop your career within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

If you’re passionate about partnering with the business and driving operational performance, we’d love to hear from you.