Job Summary :
The FP&A Manager is responsible for driving financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis for an automotive manufacturing operation. This role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Commercial teams to deliver actionable insights that improve profitability, cost efficiency, and capital deployment. The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing finance experience, understands automotive cost drivers, and can translate complex financial data into clear business recommendations .
Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Planning & Forecasting
Lead the annual budget, rolling forecast, and long-range plan for manufacturing and related functions
Develop and maintain detailed financial models covering:
Production volumes and mix
Material, labor, and overhead costs
Capital expenditures and depreciation
Ensure alignment between operational plans (S&OP) and financial forecasts
Manufacturing & Cost Analysis
Own and analyze standard costing , absorption, and variance analysis (PPV, usage, labor efficiency, overhead)
Partner with plant leadership to:
Identify cost reduction and productivity opportunities
Track savings from lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Monitor key automotive cost drivers including:
Raw materials and commodity exposure
Scrap, yield, and warranty costs
Capacity utilization and fixed-cost absorption
Business Partnership & Decision Support
Serve as a trusted finance partner to Plant Managers, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering
Translate financial results into clear narratives for operational and executive audiences
Reporting & Performance Management
Prepare and present monthly financial reviews , highlighting risks, opportunities, and corrective actions
Complete and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring reconciling items are identified, supported, and resolved timely
Prepare the three primary financial statements: Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows, ensuring accuracy and consistency with underlying financial data
Develop and maintain KPIs and dashboards focused on:
Margin performance
Cost per unit
Working capital and inventory turns
Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of financial data
Capital & Cash Flow Management
Monitor capex execution vs. plan and post-investment performance
Support working capital optimization (inventory, payables, receivables)
Leadership & Process Improvement
Coach and develop FP&A analysts
Drive improvements in forecasting accuracy, reporting automation, and financial processes
Required Experience, Education, Skills, and Abilities for Consideration as a Candidate :
Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
7+ years of progressive finance experience, including manufacturing FP&A
Strong understanding of:
Standard costing and variance analysis
High-volume, capital-intensive manufacturing environments
Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
Proven ability to partner with non-finance stakeholders
Preferred or Additional, Experience, Education, Skills and Abilities:
Strategic thinking with strong execution mindset
Ability to simplify complex financial concepts
Data-driven decision making
Strong communication and influencing skills
Comfortable operating in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments