Associate Manager, Operations Finance

Judge Direct Placement is seeking an Assistant Controller for a food manufacturing client in the DC/VA area!

** This is a fully onsite, Monday - Friday role **

• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams to analyze cost drivers and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Manage monthly COGS and manufacturing variance analysis, including volume, yield, usage, mix, labor, and conversion cost variances.
• Support cost reduction and margin improvement initiatives across manufacturing and co-packing operations.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities for Operations and COGS, identifying risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain financial models that connect operational metrics and cost drivers to business performance.
• Participate in month-end close activities to ensure accurate reporting and analysis of manufacturing and operational results.
• Lead regular reviews of COGS and plant performance, driving accountability and corrective actions to achieve cost targets.
• Evaluate the financial impact of operational projects, process improvements, and manufacturing investments.
• Support capital planning efforts and post-project reviews to measure productivity gains, cost savings, and return on investment.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to assess capacity planning, automation initiatives, outsourcing strategies, and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Perform ad hoc financial analyses to support Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and business leadership decision-making.

• 5-7 years experience in operations finance, or cost accounting
• Bachelors degree in Finance or related field required
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel required - SAP HANA and Power BI a plus
• Analytical, ability to multi-task, attention to detail and self-motivated
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (15-20%) to support plant visits, operational reviews and cross-functional collaboration.

#JDP

Comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to) health, dental, vision and 401k.