Finance Director

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking an enthusiastic Finance Director to join our growing team.  

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Finance Director will be responsible for thought-leadership in the strategic planning, forecasting, and accounting in the execution of the Sales trade spending, Pricing in conjunction with Customer Marketing, Customer/Product Profitability management, and the leadership of the FP&A Team, including USA and Canada.  This includes monthly/annual/long range planning & forecasting, reporting and reconciliation of sales, marketing and trade spend, along with supply chain costs.  Additionally, this includes all audit issues pertaining to trade spending and partnership as it relates to Deductions. The Sr Finance Director manages the Trade Administration Manager, North America Production Controller and Team (Toluca & Erlanger) and the FP&A Team. This position will work closely with the sales organization, marketing, supply chain and other functions as necessary.
Additional Responsibilities Include:
•    Communicates frequently with the Leadership Team, Customers, Brokers, Vendors and senior corporate associates. 
•    Negotiates jointly with Sales Teams on customer specific demands. 
•    Leads presentations, writes external communiques, influences beyond scope of authority.
•    Partner in New Item launch evaluation process with frequent intercompany contact or coordination. 
•    Participates in key CAPEX analysis involving item sales and profitability.  
•    Determination of optimal split in spending levels at the planning material level between pricing, promotion, internal strategy and customer strategic initiatives. 
•    Forecasts and analyzes trends to determine if we are appropriately planned and what changes must be made to achieve desired financial objectives.
•    Manages short and long term Sales goals and implications; sets Trade spending strategy on an annual basis that determines the optimal strategy for optimal sales revenue and margin, continuous evaluation of trade accruals to determine risk level for financial forecasting. 
•    Key contributor to annual and long range planning process. Key partner in strategic pricing process and recommendation.  Ability to synthesize data for relevance or make decisions without complete data.
•    Leads cost optimization projects across overheads, supply chain, trade, APL and product disposals.  Manage all projects to maximize investment ROI. 
•    Responsible cross functionally for Pricing and Discount strategies of the company to optimize return on sales. S&OP process partner with Supply Chain to optimize inventory and supply position as impacted by the commercial forecast. 
•    Ability to deliver change management including setting the vision, creating alignment and advocacy, execution, measurement of results, refinement of the process.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

•    Minimum experience required is 10 years of progressive financial accounting experience with focus in Brand management, Retail Sales, Cost Accounting, Trade Promotion, Controllership a plus, FP&A, Brokerage and CPG Industry. CPA/MBA a plus.
•    Progressive levels of Financial Planning and Analysis to include new item development, pricing and forecasting.
•    CPG experience preferred and/or experience across full P&L brand building and management.
•    Experience in Trade Marketing and working with Retail Sales and Broker networks preferred.
•    Supply Chian financial experience including cost and sourcing optimization.  
•    Well-developed communication skills with ability to influence, negotiate and coach. Must display the ability to present complex data in simple, cohesive form to allow for effective decision-making.
•    Ability to quickly establish credibility and navigate across matrix organization while engaging others to ensure the most effective solutions are implemented.
•    Proven track record of attracting, developing, coaching, and promoting a high performance organization.
•    Confidence and success in problem resolution, resourcefulness and the ability to adjust to changes.
•    Relationship builder – internally and externally.
•    Strong ability to move between tactical and strategic aspects of business.
•    Must be able to work from high-level or ambiguous business objectives and translate into concrete analytical outcomes.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued,