Finance Director - Operations

Overview

The Finance Director – Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for serving as the primary finance partner to Kemin's global Operations group. The position requires deep technical knowledge of operational accounting and cost structures, and the ability to translate insights into actionable guidance for business unit leaders. The director will actively drive efficiency improvements and cost‑saving initiatives alongside Operations, and will influence and collaborate across business units without direct hierarchical control.

This role includes formal direct reports and dotted‑line accountability for finance personnel embedded worldwide. Preference is given to candidates who can be onsite at the Des Moines headquarters.

Operations Finance Leadership & Business Partnership

• Serve as the dedicated finance leader and strategic partner to Kemin's global Operations group, building trust‑based relationships with leadership across all sites and regions.
• Translate complex operational financial data—cost variances, absorption, COGS trends, capital spend—into clear, digestible insights that Operations managers can act on.
• Challenge the Operations team constructively to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve cost‑saving targets; bring structured financial rigor to decision‑making.
• Lead the development of financial models for investment decisions, capital projects, make‑vs‑buy analyses, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Drive accountability for operational KPIs by monitoring performance against budget and forecast, explaining variances, and partnering with Operations to course‑correct.

Cost Accounting & Financial Accuracy

• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, local GAAP, and Kemin's WW Accounting Manual as it relates to operational accounting and cost structures.
• Oversee cost accounting processes including product costing, margin analysis, standard cost setting, and variance analysis across all manufacturing locations.
• Ensure the company's operational financials and analyses are accurate, timely, and reflective of true economic performance.
• Assist with technical accounting issues related to manufacturing, inventory, and operational assets.

Planning, Forecasting & Reporting

• Help prepare and coordinate the annual budget, long‑range planning, and rolling forecasts for the Operations function.
• Analyze trends across COGS, OPEX, and CAPEX to generate forward‑looking insights for Operations and senior leadership.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly and quarterly reporting packages for Operations, including commentary that bridges financial results to operational drivers.
• Implement and enhance BI tools, dashboards, and performance analytics to support data‑driven operations management.
• Proactively perform complex analysis to support planning, proposed capital investments, and actual transactions.

Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal controls as they relate to Operations finance.
• Work on acquisitions and integration activities—due diligence, tax risk minimization, and compliance for operations‑related transactions.
• Coordinate with the WW Legal department on open items regarding contracts and operational matters.
• Ensure Kemin's operational assets are protected through sound financial governance and controls.
• Support audit preparation and ensure compliance with global finance governance standards.

Team Leadership & Dotted‑Line Management

• Directly lead a team of finance professionals aligned to the Operations function, responsible for coaching, development, and performance management.
• Hold dotted‑line accountability for finance personnel embedded within Operations worldwide, providing direction and development support.
• Promote a collaborative leadership culture that empowers the finance team while maintaining rigorous standards.
• Strengthen FP&A, cost accounting, OPEX management, and business‑partnering capabilities across the distributed Operations finance team.
• Proactively work with senior leaders across business units to provide relevant, timely financial information that enables maximum impact.

• Education and Experience:
  • Undergradua…