Commercial Finance Manager

Commercial Finance Manager

Relate Search has partnered with a leading food manufacturing and consumer products organization in its search for a Commercial Finance Manager to join its growing finance organization. This position serves as a strategic finance partner to commercial leadership, supporting revenue growth, profitability, and data-driven decision-making. The Commercial Finance Manager will lead financial planning, forecasting, performance analysis, and commercial finance initiatives while providing actionable insights to senior business leaders.

This is a hybrid position based in Irvine, California.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and long-range planning processes across selling regions and business channels.
• Develop detailed financial models to support volume, pricing, margin, profitability, and scenario analysis.
• Provide actionable financial insights related to key business drivers, including commodity costs, pricing, product mix, and volume.
• Monitor financial performance against budget, forecast, and prior-year results; identify trends and clearly communicate variances, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Serve as a strategic finance partner to Revenue Management, Marketing, Operations, and other commercial stakeholders.
• Evaluate new business opportunities, product launches, customer agreements, and other commercial initiatives for profitability and return on investment.
• Provide financial guidance on margin optimization, volume-versus-profitability tradeoffs, and channel mix decisions.
• Analyze volume, variable margin, gross margin, and sales contribution performance to identify opportunities for improved profitability.
• Partner with Cost Accounting and Operations to understand conversion costs, freight, manufacturing efficiencies, and other cost drivers.
• Review and maintain appropriate reserves for promotional activities and other commercial expenses.
• Oversee preparation of monthly financial results, including P&L reporting, variance analysis, and KPI dashboards.
• Develop executive-level reporting packages with clear financial narratives, insights, and recommendations.
• Track and analyze key commercial metrics, including volume, VM$/LB, sales contribution, and operating income.
• Partner with Accounting throughout the month-end close process to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and influence business decisions through thoughtful financial analysis and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in FP&A, Corporate Finance, Commercial Finance, or a related finance function.
• Experience supporting Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, or other commercial organizations.
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical capabilities.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate financial analysis into actionable business recommendations.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial planning and business intelligence tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing, consumer products, retail, foodservice, or another consumer-oriented industry.
• Experience partnering with commercial, sales, marketing, operations, and accounting teams.
• Experience with planning platforms such as Adaptive and business intelligence tools such as MicroStrategy.

Key Skills

• Strategic financial planning and business partnering
• Revenue forecasting and performance analysis
• Financial modeling and scenario planning
• Margin and profitability analysis
• Data-driven decision-making
• Commercial finance and revenue management
• Cross-functional stakeholder management
• Executive communication and presentation
• Financial reporting and KPI development

Success in This Role

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Accuracy and effectiveness of revenue forecasts and financial plans.
• Improved visibility into pipeline, revenue, margin, and profitability drivers.
• Meaningful contribution to revenue growth and profitability initiatives.
• Effective adoption of financial insights and recommendations by commercial leadership.
• Timely, accurate, and high-quality executive reporting.
• Strong cross-functional partnerships and influence across the organization.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $122,000-$152,000
• Annual incentive opportunity based on applicable program terms and conditions.
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage beginning on the first day for eligible employees.
• Profit-sharing and 401(k) matching, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Employee appreciation programs and employee assistance resources.
• Hybrid work environment based in Irvine, California.
• Opportunities for professional development, career growth, and advancement.

The salary range provided represents a good-faith estimate of the anticipated base salary for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including candidate qualifications, skills and experience, job complexity, business needs, and location. Compensation ranges may be reviewed and adjusted periodically.

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.