Business Controller - Star Ops & Performance

About the Company

DB Breweries and Star Hospitality are part of the global HEINEKEN group, a major brewing business with operations in more than 70 countries. In New Zealand, the group combines well-known beverage brands with the country’s largest hospitality network to create memorable experiences across breweries, bars, and venues nationwide. The culture is built around four values: passion for consumers and customers, care for people and planet, enjoyment of life, and courage to innovate and lead.

Role Overview

This permanent, full-time role is for a commercially minded Business Controller focused on Star Operations & Performance. You will work closely with Star Hospitality leaders to improve venue performance across the portfolio. The position centres on financial insight, labour and cost analysis, forecasting, and operational reporting to support stronger decisions and better profitability.

Reporting to the Business Control Manager for Star Hospitality, you will help shape operational outcomes, surface opportunities for improvement, and build financial capability across the business.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for analysing and reporting on labour, overheads, controllable expenses, and venue profitability. The role involves partnering with operational leaders to provide insights that support commercial and day-to-day decision-making, leading cost performance reviews, and identifying ways to improve efficiency and margins.

You will also assist with budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning, review venue-level results, and recommend actions that improve performance. Building productive relationships with venue managers and operational teams will be an important part of strengthening financial understanding across the business. In addition, you will support governance, risk, and financial control activities, while contributing to operational improvement initiatives, business cases, and cost optimisation projects.

What You Need

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. A CA or CPA qualification would be a plus.

You should bring at least 5 years of experience in commercial finance, FP&A, business partnering, cost control, or finance roles within hospitality or retail. Strong analytical capability, financial modelling skills, and the ability to translate data into practical business recommendations are essential.

Experience working with operational stakeholders and influencing business decisions is important, along with excellent communication and relationship-building ability. Advanced Excel skills are required, and experience using SAP, Power BI, or similar reporting platforms will be valuable.

Benefits and Culture

• Free health, life, and income protection cover.
• Employer KiwiSaver contribution of 5%.
• Monthly allowance that can be used for beer, cider, RTDs, or alcohol-free drinks.
• Discounts for employees at Star Hospitality venues.
• An extra paid day each year for a personal “Enjoyment of Life” day.
• Enhanced parental leave support.
• Access to free, confidential counselling.
• Digital wills, feminine hygiene products, and retail discounts.
• Commitment to fair pay through Mind the Gap and the Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry.

Additional Information

This is a permanent full-time position based in Auckland, New Zealand. Applications from recruitment agencies are not being considered for this opening.