Operations Controlling Sr. Team Leader; Agricultural Manufacturer; IA           

Company Description

This company is a privately held, family-owned business, ranks high amongst the world's leading producers of starch derivatives and is the largest producer of polyols in the world. Since its foundation in 1933, the company’s development has been based on long term industrial strategy and an on-going drive to innovation and customer service.  Employing 6,000 people, production facilities are located in Europe, the USA and Asia and specialize in the processing of agricultural raw materials.  The company markets over 650 products in more than 100 countries, backed up by its global network of subsidiaries and agents.  Key markets include Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical, Industrial, Fermentation and Animal Nutrition.

The American Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of its European parent company, and is also privately held.  In the US, the company employs approximately 550 employees at two manufacturing facilities: Keokuk, Iowa (US HQ) and Gurnee, Illinois, and their business development office in Geneva, Illinois.

Job Description:  The Operations Controlling Sr. Team Leader will play an instrumental role in the company’s Operations controlling, reporting, analysis, and budgeting; reporting directly to the Management Accounting and Economic Studies Sr. Group Manager. This position will be responsible for the Operations reporting function, analyzing key production metrics, conducting forecasting of operational results and variance from budget, creating annual budgets and KPIs with the Operations function and recommending areas for improvement.  The position will oversee a team of three in conditioning all analysis and preparing reports for management.  The recommended evaluation reflects the requirement for a seasoned incumbent with knowledge of operation process management as well as financial reporting and analysis.  The position will work closely with Operations management to provide various analyses of results discuss forecasts for production and determine areas of improvement to focus on business performance and cost control.

Candidates who have worked in a manufacturing environment, have demonstrated business analysis ability, and who have a successful track record of making a positive financial impact through their work are strongly preferred. 

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly analysis and reporting of Key Industrial Performance Reports (including Energy and Chemicals)
• Management of the Operations Controlling Team through training, coaching, evaluation and administering personal performance reviews
• Serve as the Operations focal point for the annual budgeting and forecasting processes
• Track and benchmark Operations performance, and implement process improvements
• Improve Industrial Performance Reporting, including Yield and Product Costing Analysis
• Work collaboratively with Production managers in addressing and resolving Industrial Performance reports
• Oversee and prioritize the Operations Action Plan Program
• Drive key financial decisions for yield improvements and cost optimization
• Support and develop ad hoc studies related to plant operations
• Ensure accuracy of production results and key performance indicators
• Participate on cross-functional team projects

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Finance, Operations Management or equivalent experience, MBA Preferred
• Minimum of 5 years experience in Financial or Accounting field or similar relevant experience
• Experience and understanding of a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated strong financial and business analysis skills
• Experience managing direct reports, their performance and development
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage and execute projects effectively
• Proficient with SAP, MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access)
• Demonstrated presentation skills
• Demonstrated clear, informative, persuasive and collaborative verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated strong teamwork skills, with the ability to lead, participate and/or work directly with cross-functional teams and/or individuals
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision.

The duties, responsibilities, and requirements identified by this posting should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate. 

The recruiting process will include a standard interview protocol, which includes multiple interviews with an established team and a formal 20-minute PowerPoint presentation by the candidate.  The successful job applicant will be required to submit to and pass a post offer pre-employment physical, which includes a drug test. 

Salary Competitive w/ up to 18% bonus; Benefits; Relocation Package; Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H; NO SPONSORSHIP available with this company.