Plant Controller

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.

With nearly $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

The construction of fairlife's manufacturing facility in Webster, NY is underway. This state-of-the-art, 750k sq ft, greenfield plant is expected to be operational in late 2025 and will lay the foundation for fairlife's next phase of growth as the leading dairy nutrition provider. While coupling the industry’s latest technologies and fairlife's operational excellence to build this world-class facility, fairlife plans to hire 250 new employees and bring in approximately 5 million lbs. of milk a day, with room to grow over the coming years.

job purpose: The Plant Controller will function as a business partner with plant and financial management to effectively manage and control the local business. The controller will oversee the daily accounting operations from project budget management to operational stages of the plant. This person will be accountable for the manufacturing plant’s accounting practices, the maintenance of fiscal records and the preparation of its financial reports.   Plant level responsibilities include    general budgeting, forecasting, month-end closing, inventory control, capital spending, cost accounting, internal controls and business analysis.  This role will also be a liaison with corporate financial staff on a regular basis.

responsibilities:

• Operations planning
  • Coordinate and direct the preparation of the annual budget and be a key contributor in the annual strategic planning process and the development of operational objectives for the plant that are aligned to Corporate strategic objectives
  • Prepare and deliver the plant financial forecasts and projections
• Financial and Operational Controls
  • Ensure that there is an effective and efficient system of internal controls including data integrity, asset protection, segregation of duties, budgeting, financial reporting, information systems and adherence to corporate policies and governmental regulations (GAAP, SOX compliance, etc.)
  • Lead the communication to ensure that accountability for internal controls is clear and that processes are documented and followed
  • Lead proactive development of contingency plans, productivity improvement and corrective actions to ensure facility financial results is optimized
• Reporting and analysis
  • Develop, analyze and interpret statistical and accounting information. Effectively report on and analyze operating results, performance against budget and other matters bearing on the financial and operating effectiveness of the plant
  • Perform and monitor the plant’s monthly closing process
  • Communicate results effectively to management and non-financial personnel
  • Provide risk analysis for contingency planning
• Driving plant profitability
  • Lead actions in line with achieving targets, mitigating risk and prioritizing resource needs
  • Provide investment analysis
  • Educate plant personnel on key performance metrics
• Plant process and administrative leadership
  • Partner with site Leadership team in the development of projects that improve productivity
  • Effectively manage and develop the accounting/finance department staff, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and career growth
  • ERP implementation/training/change management a plus
  • Performs other related duties & participates in special projects as assigned

skills/qualifications required:

• B.S. in Accounting or Finance. CPA and/or MBA a plus
• 5-10 years as plant controller or cost manager in a manufacturing environment, managing a staff, with an emphasis on cost accounting, reporting and variance analysis
• Ability to develop high levels of credibility and forge solid and positive professional relationships with subordinates, peers and upper management
• Strong leadership, communication and team building skills
• Proficient in use of accounting systems, implementation of financial practices, analysis of financial and operating information to facilitate decision making and recommending actions to improve
• Proficient in Microsoft products, database software and other applicable accounting and financial software and systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: VP Finance & Accounting

travel requirements: 50% to start then 10% moving forward

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt

base pay range: $135,000 - $150,000

*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email careers@fairlife.com.