Manufacturing Plant Controller

Kettle Cuisine; Lynn (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kettle Cuisine in Lynn, MA seeks a Plant Controller to strengthen the financial health and operational efficiency of the facility. You will oversee inventory, overhead, budgeting, and cost analysis while collaborating with production and supply chain teams.

The role requires 5+ years in finance with plant/controller experience, preferably in food manufacturing. You will drive variance analysis, cycle counts, and action plans to preserve food safety, quality, and inventory accuracy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in finance with plant/controller exposure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in manufacturing settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of material, labor, overhead, yield, and other manufacturing cost drivers.
• Identify variances and explain what happened, why, and what actions are needed.
• Collaborate with Operations to drive corrective actions and root-cause fixes.
• Help manage overhead costs and protect the plant’s cost structure.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and cycle counts; support budgeting and reforecasting.
• Present insights to site leadership and participate in monthly spend reviews across overhead categories.
• Contribute to training and development across the site Finance function.

Skills

Financial analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related discipline

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job SummaryThe Plant Controller plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of the plant. They are responsible for overseeing various financial aspects including inventory control, overhead management, and supporting the site's productivity agenda. The ideal candidate will possess a strong financial acumen coupled with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.Roles and ResponsibilitiesLead analysis of material, labor, overhead, yield, usage, waste, downtime, and other manufacturing cost drivers. Ensure significant variances . in a practical, action-oriented way: what happened, why it happened, whether it is timing or true performance, and what needs to happen next. Work with Operations and other functions to identify root causes, quantify losses, and drive corrective actions.Help the team manage overhead costs. Protect and improve the plant’s cost structure by challenging spending and identifying waste and inefficiency without compromising food safety, quality, service, maintenance, or inventory accuracy.Spend time in the plant and develop a practical understanding of production, warehouse, inventory, and support processes.Bring constructive, solution-oriented input to meetings and help teams stay focused on the decision or outcome required.Lead cross-functional improvement projects and follow through from problem identification to root cause, action plan, and measurable result.Monitor cycle counts to ensure accuracy of inventory records and reconcile any discrepancies.Assist with building the annual budget as well as reforecast results as needed, and lead the monthly department spend meetings to explain actuals vs. budget across overhead expense categories.Build financial acumen across the site by training and developing at all levels.Contribute to the site leadership team beyond the Finance agenda. Lead cross-functional projects and take on additional responsibilities as assigned.Qualifications and Experience5+ years of experience in Finance, preferably including experience as a Site/Plant Controller.Experience in Food preferred.Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Business or related discipline.Required AttributesProven ability to build financial plans and deliver insight through analysis.Commitment to financial controls.Excellent communication and influencing skills.Drive to make a difference.Proven ability to collaborate and work across sites.Superior Excel skills and the ability to learn new systems.Ability to multi-task, make quick decisions and work under short timelines.Creative problem-solving skills.Courage and curiosity.