Cost Analyst

A food manufacturer is seeking an Interim Cost Analyst to partner closely with Operations, Production, Planning, and Finance to help drive visibility into manufacturing costs, operational efficiency, and profitability. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who enjoys spending time on the production floor, analyzing data, identifying cost drivers, and partnering with operations leaders to improve performance. Key Responsibilities Analyze manufacturing costs, labor utilization, overhead spending, and production variances. Perform standard costing and variance analysis across materials, labor, and overhead. Partner closely with production, planning, and operations teams to understand manufacturing performance. Evaluate production runs and analyze expected versus actual output and yield. Investigate cost variances and provide clear explanations and recommendations to management. Monitor inventory consumption, material usage, and operational efficiency metrics. Develop and maintain cost reports, dashboards, and analytical models. Support overhead absorption analysis and manufacturing planning activities. Identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and process improvement initiatives. Spend significant time on the production floor observing operations and gathering data to support analysis. Qualifications 3+ years of cost accounting, cost analysis, manufacturing finance, or related experience. Experience in a manufacturing or CPG environment strongly preferred. Strong understanding of: Standard costing Manufacturing variance analysis Inventory and production reporting Labor and overhead cost analysis Advanced Excel skills required. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central required. Experience with BPC is a plus. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.