POSITION PURPOSE
The Finance Manager, Cost Optimization serves as a key business partner to plant leadership (Quality, Supply Chain, Operations), supporting financial performance through cost analysis, reporting, and decision support.
This role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial reporting (Budget, Actuals, Forecast), identifying cost optimization opportunities, and supporting execution of cost reduction initiatives to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Partnering
- Partner with plant functional leaders to provide financial insights and support operational decision-making.
- Translate financial results into actionable recommendations to improve cost performance and profitability.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Prepare and analyze monthly department-level P&Ls (Budget, Actuals, Forecast).
- Support development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts.
- Perform variance analysis and identify key cost drivers.
Cost Optimization
- Identify, evaluate, and support execution of cost reduction initiatives across the plant.
- Analyze material, labor, and overhead costs; recommend efficiency improvements.
- Track and report savings initiatives and performance against targets.
Performance Management
- Develop and monitor KPIs related to cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
- Support management reporting with clear and concise financial insights.
Controls and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements.
- Support internal and external audit activities.
Capital and Operations Support
- Assist in capital investment analysis (ROI, payback, business case development).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on continuous improvement initiatives.
Reporting
- Prepare and present financial results and insights to plant leadership and finance management.
COMPETENCY OR POSITION REQUIREMENTS (knowledge, skills, and abilities)
Knowledge
- Strong foundation in FP&A, cost accounting, and manufacturing finance
- Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and reporting tools
Skills
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Strong Excel and financial modeling skills
- Ability to synthesize complex data into clear business insights
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
Abilities
- Ability to operate in both a hands-on and analytical capacity
- Strong business acumen with operational orientation
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to support cost optimization and process improvements
- Detail-oriented with strong focus on accuracy and controls
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (required levels)
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required
- CPA or CMA required
Experience
- 6–10 years of progressive finance experience, preferably in manufacturing or plant environment
- Experience in cost accounting and FP&A required
- Prior experience supporting cost reduction or operational performance initiatives
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in an operational setting
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
- CPA, CMA, or MBA
- 6-10 years of progressive finance experience, preferably in manufacturing or plant environment
- Experience in cost accounting and FP&A
- Experience supporting cost reduction or operational performance initiatives
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in an operational setting
- Strong Excel and financial modeling skills
- Familiarity with ERP systems
- SAP (preferred)
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to synthesize complex data into clear business insights and influence stakeholders
Kelvion Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kelvion and has not been reviewed or approved by Kelvion.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include subsidized pensions and, in some markets, a 401(k) match, which provide a stable foundation for long-term savings. The company also highlights pension support on its careers materials, reinforcing emphasis on retirement benefits.
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Flexible Benefits — Work-life flexibility options—such as mobile working, flexible hours, and part-time roles—are available in some regions, supporting different personal needs. Where present, these options represent a meaningful addition to the overall package.
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Healthcare Strength — Health support includes solid insurance in some locations alongside health programs, gym access, and regular checkups. These elements extend coverage beyond core medical care into broader wellness.
Kelvion Insights
What We Do
Welcome to Kelvion! Kelvion is the leading global developer and manufacturer of heat exchange solutions. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company delivers cutting-edge thermal management solutions that empower customers to ensure reliable and efficient operations. Kelvion’s extensive portfolio serves a wide range of applications such as data centres, hydrogen production, heat pumps, marine, HVAC, refrigeration and the food and beverage industry. The company's global sales, service and production network ensures that Kelvion is always available to support customers wherever they are. Whether supporting site installation, providing on-site technical service or replacement parts – Kelvion’s comprehensive range of service offerings is designed to optimise performance and extend the product lifecycle to ensure sustainability and reliability. Together, We Shape the Future. Imprint: https://www.kelvion.com/imprint/
