Cost Manager

Ferrero•Bloomington, IL

13d•$80,000 - $91,000•Onsite

About The Position

We have a current opening for a Cost Manager and are actively reviewing applications. At Ferrero, the Cost Manager plays a key role within the Finance function, supporting the Plant Controller in ensuring the accuracy of industrial cost calculations and the monitoring of production performance. The role leverages Ferrero’s internal systems, including SAP and HFM, to support reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and capital investment processes. The Finance – Industrial Controlling function ensures the accuracy, transparency, and strategic use of financial data related to manufacturing operations, enabling data-driven decisions across local and global teams. It supports the preparation of budgets, forecasts, variance analyses, and investment evaluations to strengthen production efficiency and financial compliance. The Cost Manager role serves as the key Finance partner within the Bloomington Plant, translating operational performance into actionable financial insights. Reporting to the Plant Controller, the Cost Manager supports cost control, budgeting, capital project analysis, and monthly closings while embedding financial rigor into daily plant operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
5–8 years of experience in industrial controlling, cost accounting, budgeting, month end close and financial analysis in a manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of production processes, standard costing, and SAP, including fixed-asset management.
Experience supporting capital investment analysis, budgeting, and ROI evaluations.
Good understanding of financial systems, including HFM and/or other Budgeting/Forecasting tools.
Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations and support senior finance leadership (Plant Controller).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of improving cost transparency and process efficiency.

Responsibilities

Support the Plant Controller in the preparation of the annual budget and standard cost setting (BOM, labor, overheads).
Monitor and analyze industrial costs, standard costs, and production variances, providing regular performance reporting and insights.
Perform month end close activities including preparation of journal entries and required reports detailing results including analysis and explanations.
Support the monthly forecast and Group planning cycles (SAF, Strategic Plan), including risks and opportunities.
Prepare financial analyses for capital projects, including business cases, ROI, and support to Group approval processes.
Monitor write-offs, destructions, and obsolescence accruals, ensuring proper documentation and reporting.
Support capital projects and fixed-asset management, including WBS setup, asset activation, verification, and disposals.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting in Group systems (HFM, SAP) for budget, forecasts, and actuals.
Perform cost simulations and project economics to support new products, SKUs, and changes in production flows.
Supervise and provide guidance to direct reports