Global Director of Operations Finance & North American Controller

The Newcastle Search Group has been retained to assist an industry-leading, publicly held global manufacturing organization with the hiring of a Global Director of Operations Finance & North American Controller.

The hiring company is fully on site in the western suburbs of Chicago. Relocation assistance will be provided for individuals outside of the greater Chicago area. Candidates requiring a remote or hybrid work arrangement will not be considered.

Position Summary

The Global Director of Operations Finance & North American Controller will lead financial reporting, planning, and analysis across global manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) finance leadership, this role will partner closely with Corporate, Operations, and Product Management teams to drive profitability, operational performance, and best practices. The position oversees financial integrity, standard costing, variance analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning, while ensuring consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement across regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Integrity
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of global operations financial results in compliance with US GAAP, company policies, and internal controls.
• Oversee monthly close, consolidations, and financial statement preparation for manufacturing operations worldwide.
• Monitor working capital, inventory management, and cost drivers to optimize cash flow and profitability.
• Planning, Forecasting & Analysis
• Lead development of the annual business plan, strategic plan, and rolling forecasts across plants and regions.
• Provide insights that explain variances and trends, translating complex analysis into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Build advanced reporting dashboards to enhance real-time financial visibility.
• Operational & Performance Management
• Partner with Operations leaders and Plant Controllers to analyze standard costing, manufacturing variances, and plant-level performance.
• Support S&OP processes, challenge assumptions, and drive operational efficiency through data-driven decision making.
• Guide pricing and product profitability analysis with Product Managers, including modeling of fixed, semi-fixed, and variable costs.
• Leadership & Development
• Direct, mentor, and develop plant controllers and regional finance teams to build financial acumen and ensure alignment with global standards.
• Champion standardization of financial reporting processes and policies across global operations.
• Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes, internal controls, and scalability to support growth and M&A integration.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong finance and accounting expertise, including absorption costing and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Proven ability to partner with operations leaders to influence decisions and improve performance.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Advanced Excel skills; ERP proficiency, SAP is required.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to explain financial concepts to non-financial leaders.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and change management capabilities across global teams.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive finance/accounting experience in a global manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years of leadership/supervisory experience.
• MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred.
• Experience with M&A integration and global financial operations is a plus.