Plant Controller
$135,000โ$155,000 + 10โ15% Bonus
Onsite | Wheeling, IL (Flexibility Available)
Our client, a well-established and growing food manufacturing organization, is seeking a Plant Controller to serve as the lead finance partner for one of its key production facilities. Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing Finance, this role offers the opportunity to influence operational performance, drive financial results, and partner closely with plant leadership in a highly visible capacity.
Known for its strong portfolio of private-label and branded food products, the company offers a collaborative culture, stable leadership, and long-term career growth within a successful manufacturing environment.
Why Consider This Opportunity as the Plant Controller?
- Strategic finance leadership role with direct impact on plant performance
- Highly visible position partnering closely with operations and executive leadership
- Opportunity to drive cost improvements and operational efficiencies
- Stable, growing organization with strong market presence
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture with long-term advancement potential
- Competitive compensation, bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits
Key Responsibilities for the Plant Controller
- Lead all plant finance activities, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and month-end close
- Analyze manufacturing performance, including labor, material, yield, inventory, and overhead variances, and provide actionable recommendations
- Develop and manage plant operating budgets and financial forecasts
- Partner with plant leadership to review operational results and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements
- Monitor inventory valuation, inventory controls, and reconciliation processes to ensure financial accuracy
- Maintain strong internal controls over inventory, fixed assets, and manufacturing operations
- Support ERP system utilization, process enhancements, and data integrity initiatives
- Prepare financial presentations and performance reporting for senior leadership
- Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and manufacturing finance best practices
Qualifications for the Plant Controller
- 7+ years of accounting and finance experience, including prior Plant Controller experience within a manufacturing environment
- Strong background in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related process manufacturing industries
- Expertise in cost accounting, inventory management, standard costing, and variance analysis
- Proven experience managing plant budgets, forecasts, and financial close processes
- Strong analytical and Excel skills with the ability to interpret large data sets and operational metrics
- Experience working with ERP systems; JustFood experience is a plus
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
- Strong business partnering skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across finance and operations teams
- Experience in GMP-regulated manufacturing environments preferred
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