Senior Manager, Finance, Administration & Strategy – Japanese Bilingual

A global automotive manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Senior Manager of Administration & Strategy to join its Kansas City operation.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role oversees key back-office functions including Finance & Accounting, IT, and Procurement, while supporting financial planning, profitability improvement, business process optimization, and mid-term business strategy.

The position also works closely with senior management in the U.S. and Japan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee Finance & Accounting, IT, and Procurement functions.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and closing activities.
• Manage P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, OpEx, and CapEx planning.
• Develop KPIs and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational performance.
• Partner with the Plant Manager on business and financial strategy.
• Lead business process improvement, ERP, and organizational optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with U.S. and Japan headquarters and cross-functional teams.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Finance & Accounting team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise the Accounting Manager and accounting team and provide overall direction, coaching, and support.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10 years of business experience, including financial management, managerial accounting, or controlling.
• Proficient Japanese language skills are required.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and business planning.
• Experience with business process improvement, ERP, or operational transformation.
• Leadership and people-management experience.
• Manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills.