Manager Manufacturing Finance

The Hershey Company•Edgerton, KS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Manufacturing Finance (FP&A & Execution) provides integrated financial leadership across multiple manufacturing sites by combining financial planning, analysis, and performance insight with operational execution support. As a trusted partner to Plant Leadership Teams, this role interprets financial results, guides tradeoffs, and drives cost, productivity, and performance improvement actions. The role ensures financial rigor, cost discipline, and planning credibility while remaining closely embedded with Operations, including regular on-site presence and engagement across a network of manufacturing plants, with expected travel of approximately 25-40% to support execution, decision making, and performance improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Manufacturing finance and cost accounting expertise (labor, overhead, materials).
Proven leadership in variance analysis, financial storytelling, and performance insight generation.
Strong understanding of standard costing, conversion costs, and cost center performance.
Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, and AOP processes.
Ability to translate operational metrics (OEE, downtime, scrap) into financial outcomes.
Strong business partnering skills with Operations and plant leadership; able to challenge assumptions and influence decisions.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including coaching and developing analysts or accountants.
Advanced analytical and financial modeling capability with strong problem solving skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including confidence engaging Corporate Finance.
High ownership mindset, strong prioritization skills, and commitment to financial integrity and continuous improvement.
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25-40% to support multiple manufacturing plants, including on-site participation in plant reviews, performance discussions, and operational initiatives.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Alteryx, Tableau).
BA/BS in Finance, Accounting or related field required.
Minimum 7-10 years’ experience in financial positions, preferably CPG and/or Cost Accounting, and/or Plant Controllership and/or Financial Planning & Analysis.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as a core finance partner to Plant Leadership Teams across assigned sites.
Support operational and strategic decisions by framing financial implications and tradeoffs.
Translate financial and operational performance into clear priorities and actions.
Challenge assumptions and influence decisions related to cost, productivity, staffing, and service.
Lead analysis of manufacturing cost performance across labor, overhead, materials, efficiency, and waste.
Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for cost and productivity gaps in partnership with Operations.
Monitor and track financial impact of operational initiatives, CI projects, and productivity actions.
Ensure financial follow through on agreed performance improvement plans.
Ensure cost standards are understood, applied consistently, and reflect operational reality.
Support standard cost reviews and product costing analyses in partnership with Accounting and Costing.
Lead site level execution of budgets, forecasts, and AOP inputs across assigned sites.
Review and challenge operational assumptions to ensure credible plans and commitments.
Own site level risk and opportunity (R&O) identification and mitigation actions.
Validate CI / TPT savings and ensure alignment between plans and execution.
Lead site level variance analysis and performance narratives.
Interpret financial drivers, trends, and risks for plant leadership.
Ensure accurate, timely analytical submissions for ME / BU / LE reporting.
Communicate site performance themes and actions to enterprise FP&A partners.
Drive continuous improvement in site FP&A processes, reporting, and analytical tools.
Coach and develop analysts supporting site finance activities.
Support succession planning and capability development within manufacturing finance.