Manager, External Manufacturing Finance

Kellanova•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

Accelerator is Mars Snacking's growth engine, focused on unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands. The Better For You portfolio includes KIND ®, RXBAR ®, Nutri-Grain ®, Special K Bars ®, and Pure Organic ®, while the Tasty & Wholesome portfolio includes Eggo, Rice Krispies Treats and Pop Tarts. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a growth business, Accelerator is driving innovation, accelerating performance, and transforming the way work gets done through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions. Reporting to the Tasty & Wholesome Supply Chain Finance Lead, the Manager, External Manufacturing Finance , serves as a key financial partner to the Operations team, driving financial visibility and performance across the supply chain. This role leverages strong analytical and cost accounting expertise to deliver actionable insights into manufacturing and procurement operations, support strategic initiatives, and help foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting; MBA strongly valued.
Substantial relevant experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong background in cost accounting.
Experience in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) or food manufacturing industries.
Experience leading projects or mentoring junior team members.
Collaborative team player with strong communication skills, a proactive and curious mindset, and the ability to challenge the status quo and identify opportunities for improvement.
Highly analytical and detail-oriented, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
Forward-thinking, with a curiosity and familiarity with applying AI and advanced analytics to uncover insights and enhance operational efficiency.
All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States.
Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

Responsibilities

Manage and report product costs (COGS), including variance analysis against budgets and forecasts.
Support the financial forecasting process and partner with Operations to understand performance drivers, identify risks and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to improve business performance.
Act as a strategic finance partner to the Manufacturing and Procurement teams, providing financial analysis and insights to support business decision-making.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and leadership to align on financial targets, track key initiatives, and develop financial models that evaluate sourcing, manufacturing, and capacity investments to drive cost efficiencies and operational performance.
Analyze purchase price variances across ingredients, packaging, tolling, tariffs, and other input costs.
Track, validate, and report savings generated through productivity and cost optimization initiatives.
Partner with Procurement and External Manufacturing teams to ensure the accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Cost Cards and maintain the integrity of cost-related data.
Support and enhance reporting for external manufacturing partners, ensuring timely, accurate, and actionable financial insights.
Maintain compliance with accounting policies and controls related to product costs, standard costing, and capital expenditures, while leading standard cost development and supporting the integrity of cost accounting processes.