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Mars Completes Acquisition of Kellanova Learn More

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Date: Aug 21, 2026

Category: Finance

Country/Region: US

State: IL

City: Chicago

Workplace: Hybrid

Description:

Accelerator is Mars Snacking's growth engine, focused on unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands. The Better For You portfolio includes KIND ® , RXBAR ® , Nutri-Grain ® , Special K Bars ® , and Pure Organic ® , while the Tasty & Wholesome portfolio includes Eggo, Rice Krispies Treats and Pop Tarts. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a growth business, Accelerator is driving innovation, accelerating performance, and transforming the way work gets done through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.

Reporting to the Tasty & Wholesome Supply Chain Finance Lead, the Manager, External Manufacturing Finance, serves as a key financial partner to the Operations team, driving financial visibility and performance across the supply chain. This role leverages strong analytical and cost accounting expertise to deliver actionable insights into manufacturing and procurement operations, support strategic initiatives, and help foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Financial Planning & Analysis – Manage and report product costs (COGS), including variance analysis against budgets and forecasts. Support the financial forecasting process and partner with Operations to understand performance drivers, identify risks and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to improve business performance.
• Business Partnership –Act as a strategic finance partner to the Manufacturing and Procurement teams, providing financial analysis and insights to support business decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and leadership to align on financial targets, track key initiatives, and develop financial models that evaluate sourcing, manufacturing, and capacity investments to drive cost efficiencies and operational performance.
• Cost & Productivity Management – Analyze purchase price variances across ingredients, packaging, tolling, tariffs, and other input costs. Track, validate, and report savings generated through productivity and cost optimization initiatives. Partner with Procurement and External Manufacturing teams to ensure the accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Cost Cards and maintain the integrity of cost-related data.
• Process & Control – Support and enhance reporting for external manufacturing partners, ensuring timely, accurate, and actionable financial insights. Maintain compliance with accounting policies and controls related to product costs, standard costing, and capital expenditures, while leading standard cost development and supporting the integrity of cost accounting processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting; MBA strongly valued.
• Substantial relevant experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong background in cost accounting.
• Experience in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) or food manufacturing industries.
• Experience leading projects or mentoring junior team members.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication skills, a proactive and curious mindset, and the ability to challenge the status quo and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Forward-thinking, with a curiosity and familiarity with applying AI and advanced analytics to uncover insights and enhance operational efficiency.

The annual salary range is $108,160 - $141,960, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

We’ve always been driven to unleash the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our iconic, world-class brands at Kellanova include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Mars, Incorporated has acquired Kellanova in a transaction that brings together iconic brands, storied legacies and outstanding capabilities with a view to shape the future of snacking. You can learn more here , and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here .