Director, Operations Finance

Director, Operations Finance The Director of Operations Finance is a senior financial leader within a manufacturing environment, responsible for overseeing financial activities and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting. This role plays a critical part in shaping senior leadership decision-making by providing strategic financial insights and actionable recommendations that enhance operational performance, maintain high-quality standards, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing and supply chain functions.

A strong understanding of the business is essential, including regular engagement with on-site teams to gain insight into operational drivers and influence outcomes. As a key member of the leadership team, this position requires strong business acumen, strategic vision, and the ability to collaborate and influence across functions to support operational transformation through innovative financial strategies.

Key Responsibilities Oversee financial management of manufacturing operations, partnering closely with production and maintenance teams to understand performance drivers. Provide insights to improve cost control, efficiency, and productivity, and collaborate with site leadership to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Support financial operations across multiple facilities, including both existing and future sites, ensuring alignment of financial processes and performance standards. Provide financial oversight and analysis across the full supply chain, including procurement, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, and related operational costs.

Partner with FP&A to support forecasting, budgeting, and integrated business planning processes. Lead monthly close activities, analyze variances to plan, and present financial results and insights to leadership. Oversee procurement processes to ensure appropriate supplier agreements are in place, minimizing risk and optimizing terms. Support negotiations and identify cost-saving opportunities, including managing competitive sourcing initiatives. Develop and execute financial strategies that improve operational effectiveness, align with organizational objectives, and enhance profitability and competitive positioning.

Work closely with teams across operations, product development, sales, and marketing to align financial goals with business strategies and optimize product costing and performance. Leverage data and analytics to forecast trends, identify cost optimization opportunities, and support strategic growth initiatives. Lead financial planning and oversight of capital expenditures, including evaluating investment opportunities, managing budgets, and prioritizing projects based on risk and return.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across operations. Present financial performance, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders to support informed decision-making. Lead and support transformation initiatives within operations, promoting best practices in financial management and continuous improvement. Build and develop a high-performing team, fostering talent growth, succession planning, and a culture of accountability and excellence.

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field required; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., MBA, CPA) preferred. Extensive experience in a senior finance role within a manufacturing or supply chain environment. Demonstrated success in driving strategic financial initiatives and improving operational performance. Strong knowledge of financial reporting standards and experience with ERP systems and data analytics tools.

Proven leadership and ability to influence cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on delivering innovative, data-driven solutions. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer:
Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other…