Regional Plant Controller-Lawton, MI

Grow with Welch's

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Regional Plant Controller to lead the financial operations of our Lawton, Michigan manufacturing facility and provide oversight for our Grandview, Washington plant.

This highly visible role serves as a key business partner to Plant Operations, Supply Chain, and reports through Finance, responsible for delivering financial leadership, driving operational performance, and ensuring cost efficiency across both sites. The Regional Plant Controller owns the full financial cycle — from budgeting and forecasting to variance analysis, reporting, and insight generation — and plays a pivotal role in shaping plant strategy and performance.

The role also leads financial planning and analysis for Welch's annual grape harvest, partnering cross-functionally to plan, execute, and analyze one of the company's most critical seasonal operations.

Where You'll Work

This role will be based at our Lawton, Michigan manufacturing facility, with periodic travel to the Grandview, Washington plant to support financial operations and partner with local leadership. You'll be immersed in a dynamic environment where innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement are at the core of what we do.

What You'll Do

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead financial operations for the Lawton and Grandview plants, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and alignment with corporate financial objectives.
• Develop annual plant budgets and quarterly forecasts, incorporating direct labor, materials, overhead, and yield assumptions.
• Partner with operations and supply chain leadership to establish financial targets and performance metrics.
• Perform detailed variance analysis on production costs, materials, labor, and overheads; identify key drivers and communicate actionable insights.
• Prepare and present financial results and commentary to plant management, supply chain leadership, and supply chain finance.
• Provide strategic financial modeling and decision support for capital investments, process improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted business partner to plant and supply chain leaders, connecting financial outcomes to operational decisions and continuous improvement opportunities.

Performance Management

• Deliver daily, weekly, and period-end reporting and KPI dashboards that clearly explain performance drivers and highlight improvement areas.
• Lead monthly plant performance reviews with site leadership, translating financial results into operational insights.
• Partner cross-functionally to identify and implement productivity and efficiency enhancements.
• Ensure consistency, timeliness, and transparency in performance reporting across both facilities.

Harvest Financial Planning & Analysis

• Partner with Grower Relations and Plant Operations to develop the annual harvest execution plan that balances cost efficiency and operational readiness.
• Build and manage the detailed harvest plant processing budget.
• Calculate and analyze cost metrics to evaluate harvest performance.
• Reconcile actual harvest costs to budget and forecast, identifying key variances and communicating insights to the finance team.
• Lead plant level post-harvest financial reviews to capture learnings, recommend process improvements, and drive productivity enhancements for future harvests.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure robust internal controls and compliance with corporate accounting policies, cost accounting standards, and inventory management practices.
• Safeguard plant assets and ensure audit readiness across both locations.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team that provides accurate reporting, meaningful analysis, and business partnership.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and curiosity that empowers the team to challenge assumptions and drive improvement.

Process Optimization

• Lead digital and process transformation initiatives that enhance the accuracy, speed, and accessibility of plant financial data.
• Partner with Operations and IT to streamline systems, reduce manual reporting, and enable self-service analytics.

Who You Are

• A seasoned finance leader with strong expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, budgeting, and operational analysis.
• A strategic thinker who connects financial performance to operational execution and drives results through insight and influence.
• A business partner who collaborates effectively across Operations, Supply Chain, and Corporate Finance to achieve common goals.
• A proactive, hands-on problem solver who thrives in dynamic, seasonal manufacturing environments.
• A leader and mentor who develops people, builds capability, and fosters continuous improvement.
• A finance professional who brings clarity, insight, and strategic perspective to every conversation.

What You'll Need

• 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, or operations finance leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business; MBA or CPA preferred.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and standard costing.
• Advanced Excel and ERP proficiency (Infor Food & Bev preferred); experience with BI or analytics tools a plus.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships with operations and supply chain teams to drive measurable financial improvement.
• Experience in food & beverage, agricultural processing, or other seasonal manufacturing environments preferred.

What You'll Enjoy

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
• Inclusive Culture: A workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be your best self
• Passionate Community: A culture that values transparency, collaboration, and individual impact
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately so you can rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: For you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning and both formal and informal growth opportunities
• Comprehensive Compensation: Competitive base salary, annual bonus eligibility, and a generous 401(k) company match
• Flexible Benefits from Day One:
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts
• Life and Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Perks at Work access
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave after 12 months of employment

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch's good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.

Salary : $125,000 - $135,000