Senior Manager, Operations Finance

Simple Mills • Chicago, IL

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Operations Finance provides strategic financial leadership and decision support across the Operations organization. The role combines ownership of core Operations Finance processes with broader leadership, cross-functional influence, and accountability for improving financial performance. It partners closely with Operations, Finance, and Accounting leadership and reports to the Director, Operations Finance.

The position leads planning, forecasting, performance reporting, costing, and cost-improvement activities. It also supports capital and strategic investment decisions, operational changes, process improvements, and team development. The role may take on direct people-management responsibilities as the team evolves and serves as a delegate and thought partner to the Director, Operations Finance.

The position is hybrid, with work from the Chicago, Illinois office at least once per week. When working remotely, employees must work from their designated permanent residence in the United States and have sufficient internet access for video conferencing.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of progressive Finance experience; significant experience in Operations, Supply Chain, or CPG Finance is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of COGS forecasting, variance analysis, standard costing, BOMs, inventory accounting, and operational performance drivers, including volume, mix, material pricing, scrap, freight, and capacity utilization.
• Ability to lead annual planning and forecasting processes and convert analysis into clear, actionable business recommendations.
• Demonstrated success driving cost savings, margin improvement, process improvement, and system implementation initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to influence across functions and levels without relying solely on formal authority.
• Strong business acumen and judgment, including the ability to evaluate trade-offs among growth, service, risk, and profitability.
• Advanced financial modeling and Excel skills.
• Experience with integrated ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with speed and accuracy, thrive in ambiguity, and act as a self-starter and creative problem solver.
• Passion for natural food and healthy eating, and a desire to positively impact the way food is made.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree or professional certification.
• Experience in Operations, Supply Chain, or CPG Finance.
• Experience with NetSuite.
• Experience coaching, developing, or managing others.

Responsibilities

• Lead long-range planning, annual planning, monthly forecasting, and development of Operations financial KPIs, including gross margin, cost savings, and productivity targets.
• Own actionable reporting on Operations financial performance, including COGS forecasting and variance analysis by product line, spend type, and operational driver.
• Partner with Procurement, Manufacturing, Demand and Supply Planning, Accounting, and other stakeholders to identify risks, evaluate trade-offs, and improve financial outcomes.
• Lead and strengthen BOM management, standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost variance processes in partnership with Accounting and Operations.
• Identify, prioritize, financially validate, track, and measure margin-improvement and cost-savings initiatives.
• Support capital expenditure budgets and financial analysis for capital projects and other strategic Operations investments.
• Provide financial leadership for new supplier and co-manufacturer qualifications, transitions, network changes, and other strategic initiatives, including scenario modeling and risk-benefit analysis.
• Translate operational and financial data into clear recommendations and executive-ready narratives to support timely decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional process improvements, system enhancements, and automation to improve accuracy, visibility, efficiency, and scalability.
• Build financial acumen across cross-functional teams and foster strong financial stewardship and accountability.
• Coach and develop Finance team members and provide day-to-day leadership across key workstreams, with potential to assume direct people-management responsibilities as the team evolves.
• Serve as a delegate and thought partner to the Director, Operations Finance, help shape priorities, and represent Operations Finance in cross-functional forums.
• Perform other projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation; salary range of $125,000–$140,000.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus.
• Health, financial, and wellness programs.
• Time-off approach designed to provide time to rest and recharge.
• Lifestyle perks and innovation shipments.
• Mentorship, collaboration, hands-on training, learning platforms, and career growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior