Hire Horizons Hiring for Operations Controller, Food Ingredient Manufacturing Job at Naperville, IL Full Time

Lead the multi-site finance and accounting functions for a premiere manufacturer of edible seeds, ancient grains, sweet spices, customized grain blends and specialty whole grain flours in the U.S. As the Operations Controller, you will partner with plant leadership, supply chain, sales, and corporate shared services supporting the day-to-day operations and financial monthly close for two (2) regional manufacturing facilities. Prior cost accounting, finance, or controllership experience with commodity food ingredients is essential, with grain milling and/or plant-based food ingredient manufacturing being highly preferred. This role will work remotely from the greater Chicagoland area 3 days per week with periodic travel to California required.

This is a HIGH VISIBILITY position with direct connection to Executive Management, high levels of influence and advancement opportunities within a dynamic, fast-growing, privately-held company. They are experiencing significant growth as their ingredients are being incorporated into a wide range of baking and commercial/retail foods to provide distinctive flavor and nutrition. Our client has expertise in helping their customers differentiate their brands with healthy and flavorful grain-based foods.

Essential Job Functions include:

• Responsible for understanding manufacturing costs, product profitability, cost variance, gross margin analysis, and overall plant contribution performance
• Perform timely completion of month-end activities including balance sheet reconciliation, GL postings, and other variance reporting
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with Plant Managers
• Ensure all raw materials and finished goods have been costed properly and product margins are reflected accurately
• Partner with Mill Managers, Corporate Finance, and Grain Accountants to significantly improve the accuracy and consistency of inventory tracking, valuation, and reporting
• Ensure the adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Policies (GAAP)
• Drive improved understanding of the impact of changes in commodity pricing on business unit margin and financial performance
• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses to support Operations and Sales as needed
• Enjoy the flexibility of working in the local Wichita office and from home occasionally
• Quarterly travel to plant locations will be required to work with local teams

Qualifications for this role include:

• BA/BS in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• 8+ years of Finance, Cost Accounting, and/or as a Controller in Food manufacturing
• 5+ years working with commodity or agricultural food products, such as grain milling, pet food, corn milling, quinoa, ancient grains, oats, spices, and/or other commodity ingredients
• Financial oversight of a multi-site operation is a strong plus
• Deep understanding of commodity pricing, position tracking, and variance analysis related to raw materials tied directly to traded commodities
• High level of proficiency in MS Excel and ERP/MRP systems is required; experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX is a plus.
• Passion for a manufacturing environment and comfortable transitioning between an office and the plant floor
• Strong track record of creating new procedures and vision within a large organization or business unit
• Training and familiarity with LEAN Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, Kaizen is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate financial results and recommendations to executives or plant personnel
• Ability to travel periodically (

Compensation includes an attractive base salary commensurate with experience, annual bonus potential, full medical/dental benefits, matching 401K, and paid vacation. Our client is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 – $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have in Finance, Cost Accounting, and/or as a Controller in Food manufacturing?
• How many years of experience do you have in working with commodity or agricultural food products, such as grain milling, pet food, corn milling, quinoa, ancient grains, oats, spices, and/or other commodity ingredients?

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Work Location: On the road