Director, Bakery Finance Business Partner

C.H. Guenther•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Finance Platform Business Partner serves as the strategic financial leader for the Bakery Platform manufacturing network, with direct oversight of plant controllers and financial analysts. The Director drives financial performance, ensures compliance, and provides strategic insights and leadership to improve cost control, operational efficiency, and profitability. The role is the primary financial business partner to supply chain and operations leadership. The Director leads financial planning, forecasting, analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning across the Bakery Platform’s manufacturing sites. The role provides direction to plant accounting teams, develops consistent financial policies and processes, oversees cost and inventory practices, and supports operational performance measurement and continuous improvement. It also serves as a liaison between supply chain finance and corporate finance, identifies opportunities to improve systems and reporting, and mentors financial talent. The position is primarily based in an office environment, with travel to manufacturing plants on an as-needed basis (approximately 15%). Plant visits may involve exposure to dust, fumes, odors, noise, vibration, poor lighting, and seasonal weather conditions. Work includes prolonged sitting and computer use, and occasionally lifting and carrying up to 15 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive finance experience, including leadership of multi-site or plant-based finance teams in a manufacturing environment.
Proven expertise in cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Extensive experience with ERP systems such as SAP and advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling.
Experience with Activity-Based Costing, KPI development, and manufacturing performance metrics.
Experience integrating new technologies and systems to improve financial analysis and reporting.
Advanced use of computers, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote), and related applications or software such as SAP.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
Demonstrated ability to lead change, manage projects, and drive process improvement.
Knowledge of logistics, supply chain management principles, and operations research.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of associates and customers, from entry-level to executive-level positions.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, prioritize projects, and clearly communicate direction internally and externally.
Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds at times.
Ability to travel as needed, approximately 15%, with travel varying according to business requirements.

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA.

Responsibilities

Lead financial planning, forecasting, and analysis for Bakery Platform Supply Chain Operations, aligned with corporate goals and objectives.
Provide strategic oversight and direction to plant accounting teams, including plant accountants and controllers, to ensure accurate and timely reporting, cost analysis, and performance measurement.
Develop and deploy standardized policies, processes, and systems for plant financial operations to ensure consistency and compliance with corporate standards.
Partner with Operations leadership to improve cost performance through productivity tracking, resource allocation, and data-driven decision-making.
Guide plant financial resources in their involvement with the Guenther Productive System (GPS) and daily activities supporting partnership with Operations.
Oversee development and refinement of standard cost systems, inventory valuation practices, and plant-level reporting mechanisms.
Guide and support plant finance teams in implementing and interpreting Activity-Based Costing and other performance measurement tools.
Identify opportunities for automation, system improvements, and enhanced reporting to support proactive financial management.
Serve as the key liaison between supply chain finance and corporate finance, supporting information flow, system integration, and alignment of goals.
Lead annual budgeting and strategic planning for manufacturing sites across the network.
Mentor and develop financial talent and foster accountability, insight, and continuous learning.
Manage multiple direct reports, including Cost Accountants and Controllers; supervise performance, hiring and disciplinary decisions, work objectives, and staffing assignments.
Develop the functional responsibilities of direct reports and ensure high-quality output.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values.