Manager, Business Planning

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager, Profit Planning is responsible for leading profit planning activities for an assigned Business Unit within DENSO North America. This role develops and manages mid-term, annual, and monthly profit plans; conducts regular performance follow-up against plan; and provides financial insight to Business Unit and Business Group leadership to support decision-making and achievement of financial objectives. 

 The position operates under the guidance of the Corporate Planning Department while remaining embedded with the Business Unit. The role requires close collaboration across finance, manufacturing, sales, engineering, and corporate functions, and plays a central role in aligning operational execution with financial targets

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Profit Planning & Forecasting 

• Lead the development of mid-term, annual, and monthly profit plans for the assigned Business Unit. 
• Coordinate inputs across functions to ensure plans are comprehensive, accurate, and aligned with corporate assumptions and targets. 
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable financial plans and measurable targets. 

Performance Monitoring & Analysis 

• Conduct monthly follow-up and variance analysis against plan, identifying drivers of performance gaps and risks to outlook. 
• Analyze trends in revenue, cost, margin, and profitability, and clearly communicate results to Business Unit and Business Group leadership. 
• Develop and maintain financial models and key performance indicators to support management understanding of business performance. 

Business Partnership & Decision Support 

• Serve as a financial business partner to Business Unit leadership, providing analysis and recommendations that support operational and strategic decisions. 
• Support evaluation of business initiatives, including pricing actions, volume changes, cost improvement activities, and investment decisions. 
• Provide financial perspectives on current and future business opportunities, including profitability improvement actions. 

Cross-Functional Coordination 

• Work closely with Cost Planning, Manufacturing Cost Control, Corporate Planning, and other finance functions to ensure consistency of assumptions and alignment of targets. 
• Interface with manufacturing and operational teams to understand cost structures, operational constraints, and execution risks impacting profit performance.
•  Ensure timely and accurate reporting to relevant leadership forums. 

Team Leadership & Process Management 

• Lead and develop a Profit Planning team within the Business Unit, including setting priorities, reviewing work output, and mentoring team members.
•  Oversee planning and reporting processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established policies and timelines. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement of planning, forecasting, and reporting processes. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (MBA preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive experience in financial planning, budgeting, controlling, or related finance roles.
• 2+ years in a leadership position with direct reports 
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of cost planning theories, processes and terms
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and good presentation skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Negotiation skills to resolve difficult or complicated situations
• Advanced level of experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Analytical skills to interpret potentially conflicting data
• Experience with Business Intelligence platforms
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Project management
• People management

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans  
• 401K with 4% Company Match 
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays 
• Bonus Program 
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs 
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance 
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs 
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc. 
• Tuition Reimbursement  
• Career Development and Ongoing Training  
• Employee Assistance Program  
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program 
• Volunteer Opportunities  
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location) 
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)  
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location) 

Annual Salary: $123,000 - $153,000

• Develop and maintain mid‑term, annual, and monthly profit plans, integrating inputs from all functional areas.
• Conduct monthly variance analysis, identifying performance drivers and risks to the outlook.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to Business Unit leadership for pricing, volume, cost‑improvement, and investment decisions.
• Collaborate with Cost Planning, Manufacturing Cost Control, and Corporate Planning to ensure consistent assumptions and targets.
• Interface with manufacturing and operations teams to understand cost structures and execution constraints.
• Prepare and present financial performance reports to Business Group leadership forums.
• Lead and mentor a Profit Planning team, setting priorities and reviewing deliverables.
• Drive continuous improvement of planning, forecasting, and reporting processes.
• Maintain financial models and key performance indicators to support strategic analysis.
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting in compliance with corporate policies and timelines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Six or more years of progressive experience in financial planning, budgeting, or controlling.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, preferably automotive.
• Proven ability to lead and develop cross‑functional finance teams.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for senior‑level presentations.
• Demonstrated business judgment and decision‑making capability.
• Proficiency with financial systems, advanced Excel, and data analysis tools.
• Effective stakeholder management and collaboration across functions.
• Track record of driving process improvements and operational efficiency.