Business Planning Specialist

Denso • Battle Creek, MI

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This role supports the preparation and maintenance of short-, medium-, and long-term business plans, as well as monthly performance reporting, variance analysis, forecasting, and tracking of manufacturing costs. The specialist will help monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing operations and support the annual planning and budgeting process. Responsibilities include gathering, validating, and organizing data, preparing reports and presentations for management, and tracking business resources such as direct material, labor, expenses, headcount, and investments. The role also involves supporting continuous improvement activities through performance analysis and reporting, assisting with inventory management and control, standard cost maintenance, and ensuring compliance with accounting policies. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and support for problem-solving efforts are key aspects of this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related field required.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, business planning, cost analysis, or manufacturing operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to gather, organize, and validate data with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze information and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Eagerness to learn manufacturing finance, business planning, and cost accounting principles.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated initiative and a continuous improvement mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Internship, co-op, or project experience in manufacturing, finance, or business analytics is preferred.
• Basic understanding of financial concepts, budgeting, forecasting, or data analysis is preferred.
• Experience with data visualization, reporting tools, or ERP systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and maintenance of short-, medium-, and long-term business plans.
• Assist with monthly performance reporting, variance analysis, forecasting, and tracking of manufacturing costs.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to manufacturing operations.
• Support the annual planning and budgeting process by gathering, validating, and organizing data.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and summaries for management review.
• Assist in tracking business resources including direct material, labor, expenses, headcount, and investments.
• Support continuous improvement activities through analysis and reporting of business performance.
• Support inventory management and control activities, including physical inventory processes.
• Assist with standard cost maintenance and updates.
• Help ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support cost accounting analysis and reporting activities.
• Participate in audits, reconciliations, and other financial review activities as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Finance, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations.
• Assist in identifying issues, gathering information, and supporting problem-solving efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level