Cost Financial Analyst

Serve as a core finance partner to Manufacturing and Operations by driving visibility into cost structures (materials, conversion, logistics), improving forecast accuracy, and enabling cost control and capital allocation decisions.

· Partner with Manufacturing to analyze product cost structure (materials, labor, conversion, yield) and identify cost drivers impacting profitability

· Own monthly manufacturing variance analysis (volume, yield, cost rate, mix), explaining deviations vs AOP and forecast

· Support cost optimization initiatives including plant efficiency, yield improvement, and sourcing decisions

· Lead the annual operating plan and forecasting for Operations, SG&A and capital highlighting key risks and opportunities, while driving potential mitigating actions

· Develop driver-based models linking volume, yield, and cost assumptions to financial outcomes

· Participate in the month-end close ensuring accuracy of results and understanding variance drivers

· Lead monthly reviews with stakeholders to ensure accountability and alignment on cost targets

· Supports the development of the annual capital plan, forecasts and analytical review of projects to ensure the adherence to internal financial benchmarks

· Support capital planning and investment analysis of plants, including ROI, IRR, and payback for manufacturing and operations initiatives

· Partner with operations to evaluate capacity expansion, automation, and cost reduction projects.

· Conducts ad hoc analyses and projects to support business management decisions

· Lead monthly G&A meetings with cost center owners to provide a clear understanding of results

· 3+ years of experience in FP&A, operations finance, or manufacturing finance, or similar role

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, or related field is required

· Strong understanding of cost drivers (materials, labor, overhead, logistics, etc)

· Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel required - SAP HANA and Power BI a plus

· Prior work experience in industries such as Manufacturing or Food Manufacturing is preferred

· Analytical, ability to multi-task, attention to detail and self-motivated

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to ~10%) to support plant visits, operational reviews, and cross-functional collaboration