Director, Bakery Finance Business Partner

The Finance Platform Business Partner serves as the strategic financial leader for our manufacturing network, including direct oversight of plant controllers and financial analysts within the Bakery Platform. This role is responsible for driving financial performance, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic insights and leadership to improve cost control, operational efficiency, and profitability. The Director will act as the primary financial business partner to supply chain and operations leadership. Duties and Responsibilities Lead the financial planning, forecasting, and analysis activities for all Bakery Platform Supply Chain Operations, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and objectives. Provide strategic oversight and direction to plant accounting teams, including all Bakery Platform Plant Accountants/Controllers, to ensure accurate and timely reporting, cost analysis, and performance measurement. Develop and deploy standardized policies, processes, and systems for financial operations across plants, ensuring consistency and compliance with corporate standards. Partner with Operations leadership to drive continuous improvement in cost performance utilizing the productivity tracking process, resource allocation, and data-driven decision-making. Provide leadership and guidance to the plant financial resources for involvement in the Guenther Productive System (GPS) and their daily activities needed to maintain a partnership with the Operations team. Oversee the development and refinement of standard cost systems, inventory valuation practices, and plant-level reporting mechanisms. Guide and support plant finance teams in the implementation and interpretation of Activity-Based Costing and other performance measurement tools. Identify opportunities for automation, system improvements, and enhanced reporting to support proactive financial management. Serve as the key liaison between supply chain finance and corporate finance, ensuring effective information flow, system integration, and goal alignment. Lead the annual budget and strategic planning processes for all manufacturing sites within the network. Mentor and develop high-performing financial talent, fostering a culture of accountability, insight, and continuous learning. Performs all other duties as assigned. Minimum Job Requirements Education/Certifications and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred. Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive finance experience, including leadership of multi-site or plant-based finance teams in a manufacturing environment. Proven expertise in cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Extensive experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling. Experience with Activity-Based Costing, KPI development, and manufacturing performance metrics. Experience integrating new technologies and systems to improve financial analysis and reporting. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software (SAP). Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to influence across functions and levels. Demonstrated ability to lead change, manage projects, and drive process improvement. Knowledge of logistics, supply chain management principles, and operations research. Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of associates and customers ranging from entry level to executive level positions Ability to manage multiple tasks, often with competing deadlines. Ability to prioritize projects and clearly communicate direction internally and externally. Supervisory Responsibilities: Manage multiple direct reports including but not limited to: Cost Accountant(s), Controller(s) Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed. Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best in-class output is created. Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Typical work in an office environment. Typical work in office environment but will spend periods of time traveling to manufacturing plants which will have exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise and vibration. Seasonal exposure to weather elements to include, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness and humidity. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up and carry 15 pounds at times. Travel on an as-needed basis (15%), which may vary depending on business requirements. Expectations: Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company's Core Values. At C.H. Guenther, we value tra #J-18808-Ljbffr chg