Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

The Newcastle Search Group has been retained by a mid-market, global manufacturing organization in the western suburbs of Chicago to exclusively assist with the hiring of a Manager of FPA. The hiring company is fully-in office. Candidates requiring a hybrid or remote work arrangement will not be considered.

The FP&A Manager will play a key role in supporting financial planning, forecasting, and operational performance across a multi-site manufacturing organization. This individual will partner closely with finance and operational leadership to provide insight into revenue, profitability, cost performance, and overall business results.

The position will lead key planning and forecasting processes, including the annual operating plan, periodic forecasts, standard costing, and expense management. The FP&A Manager will also oversee and develop a remote finance team member and serve as a strategic business partner to leadership throughout the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate monthly financial reporting and forecasting activities across multiple manufacturing locations, partnering with local finance teams to identify and resolve significant issues impacting financial performance.
• Consolidate financial results and prepare detailed variance analyses, providing insight into revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, and overall profitability.
• Manage the development and consolidation of the annual operating plan, periodic forecasts, and standard cost updates.
• Partner with operational teams to develop and consolidate revenue projections and support ongoing demand and production planning activities.
• Work closely with functional leaders to manage the planning, forecasting, and analysis of operating expenses, including corporate and functional spending.
• Consolidate and analyze working capital and capital expenditure requirements, partnering with operational and project leaders to evaluate expected costs and timing.
• Provide financial support and analytical leadership for strategic initiatives, special projects, and other business priorities.
• Support a strong financial control environment and respond to internal and external audit requirements.
• Provide cross-functional support within the finance organization and serve as a resource across multiple financial processes when needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, planning capabilities, and overall business performance.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong financial and business acumen with the ability to translate financial information into meaningful operational insights.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional business partners.
• Experience managing and developing employees, including remote team members.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives within a fast-paced, multi-location environment.
• Strong understanding of financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis.
• Significant experience within a multi-site manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, manufacturing cost structures, and the drivers of gross margin and profitability.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems and financial reporting or consolidation tools.
• Highly independent and self-directed, with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a strong focus on process efficiency and operational excellence.
• Flexibility to collaborate with colleagues and business partners across multiple locations and time zones.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive accounting and finance experience, preferably within a manufacturing, industrial, or multi-site operating environment.
• Prior experience supporting manufacturing operations, including financial planning, forecasting, cost analysis, and operational performance management, strongly preferred.

Tagged as: Financial Modeling, Forecasting, Revenue Modeling