Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

The Newcastle Search Group has been retained by a publicly traded, international manufacturing company located in the western suburbs of Chicago Zip Code) to assist with the hiring of a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager.

The hiring company is operating via a fully on site schedule. Candidates requiring a hybrid/remote work arrangement will not be considered. The hiring company is only considering candidates local to the greater Chicago area currently (relocation assistance is not available.)

Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

This role leads financial planning and forecasting activities for a complex manufacturing business unit operating across multiple locations. The position is responsible for consolidating forecasts, operating plans, and performance analyses, with a strong focus on understanding margin drivers, operational drivers, and cost structure across sites.

The role partners closely with plant and functional leaders to support expense planning, revenue forecasting, capital spending, and working capital management. Responsibilities also include ownership of standard cost updates, variance analysis, and coordination of planning cycles throughout the year. The position manages one remote team member and reports to a senior finance leader.

The successful candidate will bring strong manufacturing finance experience, a solid foundation in cost accounting, and hands-on experience with ERP-based planning environments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, forecasting, and consolidation of financial results for a multi-location operating group.
• Oversee month-end and year-end financial processes, partnering with site-level finance leaders to proactively identify and resolve issues impacting performance.
• Prepare consolidated performance reporting and driver-based explanations of results against plan and forecast.
• Own annual planning cycles, rolling forecasts, and periodic cost updates to ensure alignment with operational activity.
• Collaborate with commercial and functional leaders to plan and monitor operating expenses across administrative, sales, and development functions.
• Consolidate projections related to cash flow, capital investments, and working capital, partnering with project owners on timing and cost estimates.
• Provide coverage and support across finance functions during peak periods or unexpected absences.
• Assist with internal controls, audits, and information requests.
• Contribute analytical support for cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on financial execution.
• Strong financial and operational acumen with the presence to lead cross-functional discussions.
• Demonstrated success managing remote direct reports.
• Experience supporting finance across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Required: strong SAP experience
  within a manufacturing or operational finance environment.
• Self-motivated leader with a continuous improvement and process-driven mindset.
• Able to collaborate effectively with teams across global locations.
• Comfortable in a fully on-site work environment.
• Deep expertise in manufacturing cost accounting.

Education and Experience

• B.S. in accounting or finance required.
• Minimum 7+ years of overall accounting and finance experience in a manufacturing organization with 2+ years managing direct reports.