Manager Manufacturing Finance

Hershey•Hazleton, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Manufacturing Finance serves as the primary finance partner to manufacturing operations, providing financial leadership, planning, analysis, and performance insights that drive operational and business results. This role partners closely with Plant Leadership to evaluate financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, influence decision making, and support productivity and cost improvement initiatives. The position combines financial planning and forecasting responsibilities with operational execution support, ensuring financial discipline, planning accuracy, and continuous performance improvement across the manufacturing site.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial positions, preferably CPG and/or Cost Accounting, and/or Plant Controllership and/or Financial Planning & Analysis.
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 plant operations.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree a plus.

Responsibilities

Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance and support operational and strategic decision making.
Analyze manufacturing cost performance across labor, materials, overhead, efficiency, and waste to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Develop and deliver financial insights that translate complex operational and financial data into actionable recommendations.
Lead forecasting, budgeting, annual operating plan (AOP), and financial planning activities for assigned manufacturing operations.
Perform scenario modeling and risk and opportunity analysis to support proactive business planning and resource allocation.
Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for cost, productivity, and performance gaps in partnership with Operations.
Monitor and evaluate the financial impact of continuous improvement initiatives, productivity projects, and operational performance programs.
Lead month end financial analysis, variance reporting, and performance narratives for plant and enterprise stakeholders.
Interpret operational metrics and drivers, including efficiency, downtime, labor utilization, and waste, to assess financial implications and performance outcomes.
Ensure cost standards are understood, consistently applied, and aligned with operational realities.
Support standard cost reviews, product costing analyses, and financial reporting processes in partnership with Accounting and Costing teams.
Collaborate on cross functional projects by providing financial analysis and ensuring business decisions incorporate financial considerations.
Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting processes, analytical tools, and data quality to strengthen decision making and performance management.
Communicate financial performance, trends, risks, and recommendations to plant leadership and corporate finance partners.
Help build financial capability within plant operations through coaching, collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives.