Production Controller

Production ControllerAt Zentis - We are Fruit Masters!Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers of jams, sweets, and custard-based desserts. The Company's North America operations are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Plymouth, Indiana, where we produce fruit and dairy preparations for a variety of customers including yogurt, ice cream and bakery manufacturers. We are currently looking to recruit a Production Controller for our Plymouth location.The Production Controller supports manufacturing operations by analyzing production costs, monitoring operational performance, maintaining financial data, and assisting plant leadership with reporting and decision-making. This role provides an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to build a career in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, operations analysis, or controlling.The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Finance teams to help identify operational improvement opportunities, support labor and cost analysis, and contribute to manufacturing efficiency initiatives.Primary ResponsibilitiesCost Analysis & ReportingSupport the tracking and reporting of manufacturing costs, including labor, overhead, inventory, and production expenses.Assist with analyzing production variances, waste, scrap, and efficiency trends.Prepare regular reports and dashboards to help monitor production performance.Investigate cost fluctuations and provide recommendations for improvement.Manufacturing & Operational SupportPartner with production and operations teams to understand production performance and identify opportunities for increased efficiency.Monitor key performance metrics including labor utilization, throughput, yield, downtime, and production output.Support continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives through data collection and analysis.Participate in production walkthroughs to better understand manufacturing processes.Financial Planning & ControlsAssist with monthly close activities, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.Support inventory valuation, standard costing, and manufacturing accounting processes.Maintain accurate financial and operational data within ERP systems.Support internal and external audit requirements and ensure compliance with company policies.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Human Resources teams.Communicate financial and operational results in a clear and meaningful way.Provide analytical support for business decisions and operational improvement projects.Formal Education Required:Minimum: B.A. degree in accounting, finance or related.Specific Experience and Key Knowledge Requirements:1-3 years of experience in accounting, finance, or related field preferredPrior manufacturing company experienceManufacturing ERP (enterprise resource planning) experience preferredAdvanced knowledge of Excel requiredSpecial Skills and Abilities Required:Excellent written and oral communicationExcellent attention to detailHigh energy and strong curiosity, including finding new ways for the company to improveComfortable walking the manufacturing floorGood planning and organizational skillsStrong analytical skillsLanguage Requirements:EnglishGerman not required, but a plusTravel Requirements:Travel to our headquarters in Aachen, Germany within the first year for training is required.After the first year, 10% locally and internationally.We offer a great benefits package that features:Medical (PPO and HSA plans), Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance401k employer contributionGenerous paid Vacation/ Sick Time & HolidaysPaid Parental LeaveLife Insurance and Long-Term Disability InsuranceAnd much more!EOE/M/F/H/V