Global R&D Controller

Global R&D Controller Join ABB’s Robotics business as the Global R&D Controller. The role reports to the Global Head of FP&A, Robotics and supports the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and R&D leadership in controlling the full Robotics R&D investment portfolio. ABB is entering a new chapter with SoftBank Group’s acquisition of ABB Robotics. Reporting Line Global Head of FP&A, Robotics. Your Role and Responsibilities Act as the Finance Business Partner for the CTO and the global R&D leadership team, with end‑to‑end responsibility for controlling the full Robotics R&D investment portfolio (nine‑figure annual spend). Ensure transparency, discipline and strategic allocation of R&D spend across sites, product lines and development programmes. Design, implement and manage robust project‑level controlling, forecasting and KPI frameworks to provide actionable insights that improve R&D effectiveness, evaluate return on innovation and support strategic decisions in technology development. Work closely with the CTO, R&D programme managers, Business Line Controllers, FP&A and Accounting to enable value creation through well‑governed R&D investments. Work model: hybrid. Main Accountabilities Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly reporting for all Robotics R&D spend, ensuring accuracy, compliance and strategic resource allocation. Track spend by site, project, programme, product group, platform and investment category; ensure proper cost charging between legal entities, including capitalization assessments, inter‑company recharges and alignment with accounting rules. Partner with the CTO and R&D leadership to evaluate programme economics, spend trends and resource allocation versus strategy. Perform variance analysis, benchmark efficiency and identify optimisation opportunities. Drive deep‑dive analyses on R&D productivity, resource utilisation and cost‑to‑complete. Define and implement a unified R&D performance dashboard. Include ROI of programmes, Vitality Index, Project Cost‑to‑Complete (CTC), Time‑to‑Market metrics and other relevant KPIs. Support the Robotics R&D governance framework – led through PPR/PRT and executed by the CTO organisation and programme managers – by providing high‑quality financial insights and scenario analysis when requested. Collaborate closely with programme managers on budget preparation. Design standalone financial processes and reporting mechanisms for R&D spend to meet the requirements of a standalone company. Support carve‑out, separation cost tracking and establishment of the long‑term Robotics R&D cost baseline. Qualifications University degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration with at least 6–10 years of international finance / controlling experience, strong exposure to corporate reporting, FP&A and project cost management. At least 2 years of R&D controlling, budgeting and forecasting experience, managing large budgets (≈ $30 M/yr+) and prior involvement in spin‑offs, carve‑outs, IPO readiness or major finance transformation projects is a plus. Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for senior stakeholders and support strategic decision‑making. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to act as a trusted business partner, challenge stakeholders constructively and work effectively in a fast‑paced, transformational environment. Travelling up to 15 % is required. What’s in it for you? We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning and support tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger. We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe. Job reference: JR Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Finance and Sales Industries: Automation Machinery Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr