Plant Operations Finance Manager

Relate Search; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Relate Search is partnering with a leading manufacturing organization to fill the Manager, Operations Finance role at a high-volume production facility in Wisconsin. This hands-on leadership position partners with Plant Leadership to deliver financial insight, improve profitability, and drive operational efficiency across accounting, inventory, forecasting, costing, and internal controls.

The role demands 8+ years of progressive financial experience in manufacturing, strong cost accounting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance or related field with 8+ years of progressive financial experience.
• Strong manufacturing finance and cost accounting experience including standard costs and overhead rates.
• Ability to analyze financial and operational results and translate insights into actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant financial operations including accounting, close, reporting, variance analysis, and GAAP adherence.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to translate metrics into actionable profitability plans.
• Drive annual planning, forecasting, capital planning, and financial accountability.
• Oversee inventory and production control, ensuring cost accuracy and reporting.
• Develop the plant finance team through coaching and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

GAAP knowledge

Manufacturing finance

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Relate Search has partnered with a leading manufacturing organization in their search for a Manager, Operations Finance to lead the financial operations of a high-volume production facility. This role will serve as a key business partner to Plant Leadership, providing financial insight, driving accountability, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and growth. The Finance Manager will oversee accounting, inventory, forecasting, costing, and internal controls while leading and developing a team of finance professionals. This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys being close to the business and influencing results in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant financial operations, including general accounting, monthly close, financial reporting, variance analysis, and adherence to company policies and GAAP.
• Partner with Plant Leadership and cross‑functional teams to translate operational and financial metrics into actionable plans that improve profitability, reduce costs, and drive business performance.
• Drive annual planning, forecasting, capital planning, and financial accountability by identifying trends, risks, opportunities, and areas for continuous improvement.
• Oversee inventory and production control processes, strengthening transactional discipline, inventory accuracy, costing practices, and operational reporting across the facility.
• Develop and lead the plant finance team through coaching, cross‑training, performance management, and relationship building while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, with 8+ years of progressive financial experience.
• Strong manufacturing finance and cost accounting experience, including hands‑on knowledge of standard costs, variable margin, operational overhead rates, and manufacturing financial systems.
• Proven ability to analyze financial and operational results, identify root causes and business opportunities, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing finance and/or accounting teams in a plant or manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence Plant Leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Onsite, plant-based leadership role in Waukesha, WI
• High-visibility partnership with Plant Leadership and cross‑functional business teams
• Opportunity to lead and develop a diverse finance team
• Direct leadership of 2 supervisors, with oversight of 2 additional indirect team members
• Less than 10% travel

About Relate Search

Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA+ owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance we deliver customized, people-first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.