VP of Finance Planning and Analysis

Urban Farmer is seeking a Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis to lead financial strategy, forecasting, budgeting, and decision-making. This executive role involves collaborating with departments to provide insights for growth, performance improvement, and resource allocation. Key responsibilities include financial reporting, risk management, cost optimization, and supporting product innovation. The position is based in Manteno, IL and is critical for driving profitable growth in the food industry.
Job Summary

The Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) will be a strategic financial leader, responsible for guiding the company's financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and decision-making processes. This role is critical in driving profitable growth, improving financial performance, and optimizing resource allocation in alignment with business objectives.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP of FP&A will collaborate across departments, providing data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions related to sales, operations, supply chain, and new product development. This leader will drive a culture of financial discipline and accountability, ensuring that the company maintains a strong financial position while accelerating growth in the competitive better-for-you food space.

Key Responsibilities
• Financial Strategy and Planning
• Develop and oversee the company's long-term financial planning and annual budgeting processes.
• Partner with the CFO and executive leadership to define financial goals, growth strategies, and investment priorities.
• Lead scenario modeling and risk assessment to evaluate market trends, pricing strategies, and cost efficiencies.
• Establish and monitor financial goals, benchmarks, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Financial Performance and Analysis
• Provide insightful, data-driven financial analysis to identify opportunities for margin improvement, cost optimization, and revenue growth.
• Establish KPIs and financial dashboards to measure performance and drive accountability across business units.
• Conduct variance analysis, competitive benchmarking, and financial modeling to support strategic initiatives.
• Financial Reporting and Compliance
• Develop and monitor key financial metrics, dashboards, and KPIs to track business performance.
• Lead variance analysis, cost modeling, pricing strategy development, and financial risk assessments.
• Optimize gross margins and operational costs, identifying opportunities for efficiency and profitability improvements.
• Conduct deep-dive financial analyses to support strategic decision-making, scenario planning, and market trend evaluations.
• Business Partnering & Decision Support
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure financial alignment with business objectives.
• Support product innovation and R&D investments by evaluating cost structures, pricing strategies, and profitability potential.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other senior leaders, providing data-backed recommendations to improve business performance.
• Risk Management and Internal Controls
• Identify and assess financial risks, including credit, liquidity, operational, and market risks.
• Implement robust internal control systems to safeguard company assets and prevent financial irregularities.
• Create and manage contingency plans for economic or operational disruptions.
• Oversee compliance with corporate governance standards and risk mitigation policies.
• Cost Management and Efficiency Improvement
• Identify and implement strategies to optimize cost structures, improve margins, and reduce waste.
• Lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies and streamline financial processes.
• Ensure cost discipline across all business units, setting clear financial targets and accountability measures.
• Strategic Partnership and Collaboration
• Collaborate with the executive team to develop and execute the company's strategic plans.
• Partner with the CFO to assess funding needs, debt management, and financial risk exposure.
• Serve as a trusted financial partner to operational leaders, providing insights and guidance on achieving organizational objectives.
• Participate in strategic decision-making processes, contributing financial perspectives to key business initiatives.
• Innovation and Technology in Finance
• Oversee and enhance financial systems, ERP tools, and business intelligence platforms to improve reporting accuracy and forecasting capabilities.
• Stay informed of emerging financial tools and practices to improve efficiency and maintain competitive advantage.
• Continuously refine and improve financial processes, planning methodologies, and reporting structures.

Qualifications:
• 10+ years of FP&A leadership experience in the food & beverage, CPG, or manufacturing industry.
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and business analytics expertise.
• Deep understanding of cost accounting, supply chain finance, and gross margin management in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP systems, BI tools, and financial software (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Power BI).
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics (MBA or CPA preferred).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required for file maintenance and office organization.
• Visual acuity to read and analyze financial reports and data.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Fast-paced and dynamic office environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Open office layout promoting communication and teamwork among employees.
• Regular interaction with cross-functional teams including operations, marketing, and sales.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or site visits.