Industrial Controller - Manufacturing Finance Lead

Job Description

Industrial Controller - Manufacturing Finance Lead

Nonni's Foods, LLC | Chicago, IL

Lead manifacturing financial operations for Nonni’s Foods LLC, a respected bakery brand within the Ferrero Group. This role offers the opportunity to shape the financial approach 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 approach 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; collaborate and provide direction to 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.

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

Team Leadership & Strategic Direction

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• 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.
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• 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.
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Multi-Plant Cost Accounting & Variance Analysis

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• 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.
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Profitability & Continuous Improvement

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• 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.
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Financial Reporting, Planning & Controls

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• 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.
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Inventory Management & Accounting

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• 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.
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Systems & Technology Leadership

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• 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.
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Required Experience & Education

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

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

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

Nonni’s Foods, LLC | A Ferrero Company

Equal Opportunity Employer | Committed to Workforce Diversity