The Plant Controller is a key strategic business partner responsible for driving financial performance across multiple U.S. manufacturing facilities. In this highly visible role, you'll work closely with executive and operations leaders to deliver insights that influence cost management, capacity planning, make-versus-buy decisions, and manufacturing footprint optimization.
You'll lead forecasting and cost modeling initiatives, provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency, and develop a Senior Financial Analyst while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who combines strong financial expertise with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive business results.
Major Responsibilities:
Partner with plant and executive leadership to analyze and improve manufacturing cost performance.
Prepare and present monthly manufacturing KPIs, including labor efficiencies, material variances, spending variances, and cost of goods produced.
Deliver clear analysis of manufacturing variances and recommend actions to improve performance.
Monitor spending against budget and provide insights into key drivers and deviations.
Develop financial models and "what-if" scenarios to support production transfers, capacity planning, and make-versus-buy decisions.
Lead, coach, and develop a Senior Financial Analyst while fostering team growth and engagement.
Support annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes.
Build and maintain labor and overhead forecasts that support strategic planning.
Partner with Operations to identify transaction or process issues and implement corrective actions.
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education
Work Experience
5+ years of experience in manufacturing finance, plant accounting, or a similar environment.
Experience leading projects, initiatives, or cross-functional teams.
Experience working with ERP systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Advanced Excel skills with the ability to build and maintain complex financial models.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business partnering skills.
Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial data to non-financial audiences.
Proven ability to translate metrics into meaningful business insights and recommendations.
Self-starter who can successfully manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
Work Experience
SAP and Business Intelligence (BI) experience.
Cost accounting and manufacturing finance experience.
Experience within a global manufacturing organization.
Knowledge of standard costing and manufacturing variance analysis.
Why Join Us?
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive and plant leadership.
Make a direct impact on strategic manufacturing decisions and business performance.
Lead high-visibility financial initiatives with enterprise-wide influence.
Develop people, drive continuous improvement, and help shape the future of manufacturing operations.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.
