Controller, Plastics
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.1
Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.
We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.
Overview
Job Description
Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet
We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We're on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.
You could be part of our vision. Because it's our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It's every one of us working together.
We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.
About Huhtamaki
Huhtamaki is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, delivering innovative products for many of the world's most recognized foodservice, consumer goods, and retail brands. With operations in 36 countries and 81 manufacturing sites, we enable safe, convenient, and sustainable consumption experiences for billions of people. Our North America business includes the iconic Chinet brand and provides packaging for major foodservice operators and consumer goods customers.
Join a purpose driven company committed to protecting food, people, and the planet-advancing packaging that is renewable, recyclable, and responsibly sourced.
About the Role
We are looking for a Plastics Operations Controller to serve as the financial leader for our US plastics manufacturing facilities in Coleman, MI and New Vienna, Ohio. In this highly visible role, you will partner closely with the Plant Managers at both facilities and serve as a key member of the site leadership teams. This position drives cost leadership, operational performance, and strategic decision making across the plastics plants.
With transactional accounting supported by our centralized finance team near Kansas City, you'll focus on helping the plants achieve world class operations through delivering valuable insights and shaping strategy.
The role operates within a matrix organization, reporting to the Plant Managers for daily operational leadership and functionally to the North America Operations Controller for financial governance, standards, and strategic direction. Role will support both sites and may be located at either Coleman or New Vienna, but be expected to travel at least monthly to the other location.
What You'll Do
Drive Operational & Financial Excellence
Deliver insights that improve performance, productivity, and cost competitiveness.
Lead product costing, cost modeling, variance analysis, and cost to serve studies.
Own financial forecasting, budgeting, and monthly performance reviews.
Support the Plant Managers at both locations on decisions related to inventory, cost accounting, and capital investments.
Enable Strategic Decision Making
Translate analytics into clear, actionable recommendations.
Prepare and present operational KPIs and performance trends.
Evaluate and monitor capital projects, ROI, and capacity utilization.
Apply for and track state and local incentives.
Strengthen Controls & Compliance
Ensure strong internal controls across operational finance processes.
Support local, state, and federal reporting requirements.
Partner with centralized Finance teams to maintain alignment and integrity.
Lead People & Continuous Improvement
Manage and develop a small, high-performing finance team across both plants.
Champion continuous improvement projects as finance expert or process owner.
Enhance reporting through automation, visualization, and ERP discipline.
What You Bring
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; Master's desirable.
5+ years of operations finance leadership experience in manufacturing.
Strong digital and analytical skills (data visualization, dashboards, automation).
Ability to influence cross functional partners at all levels.
Experience leading change and continuous improvement (Lean, Kaizen, CI).
Strong communication skills and the ability to simplify complex analysis.
Preferred
CPA or CMA certification.
Experience with Oracle, BI tools, and advanced Excel.
Work Environment
Primary work location: Coleman, MI or New Vienna, Ohio manufacturing site.
Onsite role with regular engagement on the shop floor and with the plant leadership team.
Why You'll Love Working Here
High visibility and influence within a key manufacturing site.
A culture focused on safety, sustainability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Opportunity to help shape financial strategy and process improvement at the plant.
Supportive partnership with our centralized finance structure-allowing you to focus on value creation.
Career growth opportunities within the North America segment and global Finance organization.
Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.
