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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • Undergraduate/Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field with 15+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing or operations‑intensive environment, OR
  • Master's degree or CPA with 12+ years of relevant experience.
  • MBA preferred.
  • Strong FP&A, cost accounting, and operational finance background required.
• Proven ability to influence and drive alignment across business units without direct authority—a collaborative leader who earns credibility through expertise and relationship‑building.
• Deep technical competency in cost accounting, operational finance, and manufacturing economics, combined with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to non‑finance audiences.
• High‑energy business partner with a strong commercialization and operational focus; able to set priorities and meet timetables while driving meaningful outcomes.
• In‑depth understanding of GAAP accounting, financial planning, and information services as they apply to manufacturing and operations environments.
• Strong analytical capability in cost structures, OPEX optimization, and variance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cost savings and efficiency improvement projects in partnership with operational teams.
• Experience as a project team leader and motivator; excellent presentation and communication skills with all levels of management across diverse teams and geographies.
• Strong project management skills, including forecasting, project planning, and development of project timelines.
• High degree of personal motivation, urgency, and desire to make an immediate contribution.
• Experience dealing with challenging problems, developing strategies, prioritizing, and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency with BI tools and financial analytics platforms.
• Multilingual ability a plus; international manufacturing experience preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive Financial Package: rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, 401(k) match program, generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to on‑site fitness center, seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: opportunities for growth and development throughout your career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: in‑house learning platforms and tuition reimbursement for external post‑secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email