Senior Manager - Operations Finance

Senior Manager, Operations Finance

Simple Mills · Chicago, United States (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-26

Workplace: hybrid

Department: Operations Finance

Description

Company Description

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made, creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Now, as part of Flowers Foods, we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth—expanding our reach, accelerating innovation, and amplifying brand awareness, all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether it’s watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers, we craft our products with innovative, wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company, and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Health, and NPR’s How I Built This. In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at www.simplemills.com.

Requirements

Role Description

The Senior Manager, Operations Finance will provide strategic financial leadership and decision support across the Operations organization. This role sits between the Manager and Director levels, combining hands-on ownership of core Operations Finance processes with broader leadership, cross-functional influence, and accountability for improving financial performance. The position will report to the Director, Operations Finance and will partner closely with Operations, Finance, and Accounting leadership. Responsibilities will include:

• Lead long range planning, annual planning, monthly forecasting, and development of Operations financial KPIs, including gross margin, cost savings, and productivity targets.
• Own insightful and actionable reporting on Operations financial performance, including COGS forecasting and variance analysis by puct line, spend type, and operational driver.
• Partner closely with Procurement, Manufacturing, Demand and Supply Planning, Accounting, and other stakeholders to identify risks, evaluate trade-offs, and unlock opportunities to improve financial outcomes.
• Lead and strengthen BOM management, standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost variance processes in partnership with Accounting and Operations.
• Drive the identification, prioritization, financial validation, tracking, and measurement of margin improvement and cost savings initiatives.
• Support capital expenditure budgets and financial analysis for capital projects and other strategic Operations investments.
• Provide financial leadership for new supplier and co-manufacturer qualifications, transitions, network changes, and other strategic initiatives, including scenario modeling and risk-benefit analysis.
• Translate complex operational and financial data into clear recommendations and executive-ready narratives that support timely decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional process improvements, system enhancements, and automation that improve accuracy, visibility, efficiency, and scalability.
• Build financial acumen across cross-functional teams and foster a culture of strong financial stewardship and accountability.
• Coach and develop Finance team members while providing day-to-day leadership across key workstreams, with the potential to assume direct people-management responsibilities as the team evolves.
• Serve as a delegate and thought partner to the Director, Operations Finance, helping shape priorities and represent Operations Finance in cross-functional forums.
• Perform other projects and responsibilities as assigned

Position Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive experience in Finance, with significant experience in Operations, Supply Chain, or CPG Finance preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certification is a plus.
• Strong understanding of COGS forecasting, variance analysis, standard costing, BOMs, inventory accounting, and key operational performance drivers, including volume, mix, material pricing, scrap, freight, and capacity utilization.
• Proven ability to lead annual planning and forecasting processes and convert analysis into clear, actionable business recommendations.
• Demonstrated success driving cost savings, margin improvement, process improvement, and system implementation initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels without relying solely on formal authority.
• Strong business acumen and sound judgment, including the ability to evaluate trade-offs between growth, service, risk, and profitability.
• Advanced financial modeling and Excel skills; experience with integrated ERP systems required, with NetSuite experience preferred.
• Experience coaching, developing, or managing others preferred.
• Self-starter and creative problem solver who thrives in ambiguity, manages multiple priorities, and works with speed and accuracy.
• A passion for natural food and healthy eating, as well as a desire to positively impact the way food is made.

Benefits

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills, we’re not just building a brand, we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us?

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We don’t just talk about doing good, we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success.
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If you’re ready to shape the future of food, let’s talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life. 

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $125,000 - $140,000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health, financial, and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest, refocus, and show up fully—our time off approach is built with that in mind.
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to innovation shipments, we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

We’re committed to taking care of our people—so you can focus on making an impact. 

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• This position will be hybrid: a balance of in-person and virtual work. Hybrid employees will work from our Chicago, IL office at least once per week. When working remotely, employees must work from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing. Safety protocols in accordance with CDC recommendations are followed.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].

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