Manufacturing Project Manager Jobs in Lancaster, SC

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of 19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2024, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.9 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 57,000 people worldwide and has 20 production and 16 development sites.  

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

As Manufacturing Controlling Manager reporting directly to the Head of Manufacturing Controlling Americas, you will play a key role in supporting regional management decision-making and driving financial performance across the region. You will closely collaborate with plant controlling teams at various locations, regional manufacturing management, central manufacturing controlling team, and business area stakeholders to deliver both analytical insights and project-driven support while helping ensure standardized controlling practices across the Americas.

• Collaborate with plant controlling teams across regional locations to ensure consistent financial reporting and controlling processes across the region
• Partner with regional manufacturing management and central controlling teams to support decision-making and financial planning
• Drive controlling initiatives and projects to enhance cost transparency and operational efficiency
• Provide analytical support and financial insights to business area stakeholders to support performance management
• Help maintain standardized controlling practices and procedures across the region to ensure compliance and consistency
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis activities across the region
• Contribute to achieving operational targets and improving financial performance across the manufacturing footprint in Americas
• Actively participate in cross-functional controlling activities and internal stakeholder interfaces

Regional Planning and Forecasting

• Coordinate budget and forecasting activities across AM plants as needed based on regional and central manufacturing controlling needs
• Support investment and financial planning processes in alignment with regional business priorities and corporate requirements
• Help identify key drivers for forecast/planning accuracy and promote continuous improvement across sites

Regional Reporting and Closing

• Collaborate with the plants to foster timely and accurate monthly reporting and closing activities across the region
• Review plant controlling inputs/reports (including P&L, forecast, headcount, and investments) and provide insights to the regional management
• Actively collaborate with the central manufacturing controlling team to help improve transparency and consistency of reporting standards across all AM locations

Cost and Performance Controlling

• Monitor and analyze operating results, cost structures, and performance trends across plants, provide transparency on cost drivers and key performance indicators
• Help identify risks and opportunities and derive appropriate actions to improve cost performance and operational target achievement
• Support product costing reviews and help promote transparency on regional cost drivers
• Prepare management presentations, executive summaries, comparisons and insights, ensure they meet high quality and accuracy standards

Controlling Standards, Systems, and Compliance

• Promote data quality, consistency, and compliance in all controlling activities
• Support implementation and sharing of best practices (e.g., Power BI, DRIVE, reporting tools) across the region

Business Partnering and Decision Support

• Provide regional management with financial analyses to support operational and strategic decision-making
• Support achievement of financial and operational targets through business-oriented controlling input
• Facilitate KPI target-setting, benchmarking discussions, and cost improvement initiatives

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• Provide interim hands-on support for plant controlling teams in case of substantial resource gaps or critical demand
• Help drive process improvements, reporting efficiency, and continuous enhancement of controlling practices

• Support regional projects with financial evaluations, business plans, and dashboards
• Represent Manufacturing Controlling Americas in projects and operational meetings where required

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE 

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience within the Financial function of a Manufacturing organization
• Strong experience in budgeting, reporting, cost analysis, and controlling-related systems or processes
• Strong analytical skills
• Knowledge of controlling and financial concepts and systems (e.g., SAP)
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex issues, develop and drive new initiatives, and manage internal interfaces while working in multinational organizations with diverse teams
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Continental is only able to offer visa support for internals individuals only
• Can offer relocation support if needed

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT 

• 10+ years of relevant professional experience within the Financial function of a Manufacturing organization
• Experience in a controlling team lead function in a plant or industrial environment
• Experience leading people, small teams, project teams, or cross-functional controlling activities, or functional steering experience

THE PERKS 

• Immediate Benefits 
• Robust Total Rewards Package
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Programs
• Employee 401k Match
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.
• Hybrid Work
• Employee Assistance Program
• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

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