Director, Manufacturing Finance

Nonni's; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nonni's Foods LLC seeks a senior finance leader to drive operational cost accounting across four manufacturing facilities (US and Canada). You will own standard costing, variance analysis, inventory controls, and financial reporting, collaborating with executive leadership to improve profitability and efficiency.

The role leads a small team, partners with Operations Leadership, and guides ERP system optimization and cost-reduction initiatives across plants.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of cost accounting and/or operational finance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing and developing teams; proven track record of driving organizational change.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA/advanced degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic cost accounting and operational finance across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Oversee standard costing, variance analysis, cost models, and inventory management to drive profitability.
• Direct monthly close, annual budgets, and forecasts; produce consolidated dashboards for executive leadership.

Skills

Cost accounting

Operational finance

Leadership

Variance analysis

Financial reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

SQL

Excel

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA/Master's degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Sage

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Lead strategic financial operations for Nonni’s Foods LLC, a respected bakery brand within the Ferrero Group. This role offers the opportunity to shape financial strategy across a multi-facility operation, collaborate and work with a talented finance team, drive continuous improvement across all plants, and partner with executive leadership on strategic planning. You'll have direct impact on profitability and operational excellence in a dynamic, growing food manufacturing environment.

About the Role

Lead operational finance strategy and team across Nonni's four manufacturing facilities (3 US + 1 Canada). Own the strategic direction for standard costing, variance analysis, cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting systems that drive profitability and operational excellence. Report to VP Finance; manage a team of 2-3 Manufacturing Cost Accountants/Plant Controllers. This position is based in Chicago, where you will work closely with the VP of Operations to collaboratively review costing standards, conduct variance analysis, and establish inventory management approaches across all facilities.

• Hybrid work arrangement – 3 days per week in the office
• 15-20% travel to the manufacturing plants

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team across at manufacturing facilities. Establish and enforce standardized cost accounting policies and best practices across all plants.
• Play a key strategic role in leveling up the business and financial acumen of the Operations Leadership Team, including Plant Managers, Supply Chain, and Logistics leaders.
• Oversee consolidated monthly manufacturing variance analysis (material, labor, overhead, yield, waste) across all facilities. Identify trends and systemic issues; lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning. Direct annual standard cost roll processes; ensure accuracy and consistency of BOMs, routings, labor, and overhead standards across all plants.

Profitability & Continuous Improvement

• Lead company-wide cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee product costing models and profitability analyses to support product development and pricing decisions. Benchmark facilities against each other and industry standards; drive standardization of efficient processes and best practices.
• Oversee period close activities for all facilities. Direct development of annual operating budgets and periodic forecasts for all manufacturing operations. Prepare consolidated variance reports and operational finance dashboards for executive leadership. Ensure compliance with accounting policies, regulatory requirements, and internal control frameworks across all locations.

Inventory Management & Accounting

• Establish and oversee standardized inventory accounting policies and controls across all four facilities. Direct cycle count programs, physical inventory processes, and reconciliation procedures. Analyze consolidated inventory reserves, obsolescence risk, and slow-moving inventory across plants.

Systems & Technology Leadership

• Own the operational finance technology roadmap. Lead ERP system maintenance, optimization, and strategic upgrades to support standardized costing across all plants. Develop and maintain operational finance dashboards and reporting tools. Identify and implement automation opportunities and process improvements to increase efficiency and data accuracy.

Required Experience & Education

• 10+ years of cost accounting and/or operational finance experience in a manufacturing environment
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing and developing teams; proven track record of driving organizational change and process standardization
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Master's degree (MBA, Finance, or Accounting) strongly preferred

Key Technical & Leadership Skills

• Expert-level knowledge of standard cost accounting, variance analysis, and manufacturing cost methodologies
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Sage, or equivalent); experience with ERP implementation and optimization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficiency with Excel, SQL, and financial planning tools
• Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management; ability to present complex financial data to non-finance audiences
• Leadership capability: ability to build teams, foster continuous improvement culture, and drive change in multi-site environments

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CMA certification
• Food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or other regulated multi-site manufacturing experience
• Experience managing operations finance in international facilities or multinational environments
• SAP or Oracle EBS expertise; proficiency with Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent business intelligence tools
• Track record of successful system implementations, cost reduction initiatives, and process improvements in manufacturing environments

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Nonni’s Foods, LLC, we believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our ability to serve our customers and communities. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We actively seek to create a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we delight.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, and all other protected characteristics.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer | Committed to Workforce Diversity