The Director for Supply Chain Forecasting, Financial Planning and Analysis owns the forecasting and financial analysis support for Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. (LSNA) and the shared services provided to company brands. The position currently oversees and manages the LSNA Supply Chain (warehouse and transportation) forecast updates. This includes managing the end-to-end forecast/actuals process to deliver realistic/reliable forecast and insights to drive value. As part of the process, the person owns the forecast and actuals reconciliation for warehouse and transportation for the 3 North American brands – Lindt USA, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover. This position oversees the timely and accurate flow of financial and operational information across the supply chain, providing insight and guidance on key business metrics and contributing to the creation and achievement of business objectives. This role provides supervision and development to a team of two financial analysts that support the critical financial process (forecasting, actuals analysis) as well operational reporting, and project planning/execution requirements of the company. The role collaborates closely with the LSNA CI/BI group and Supply Chain management, as well as the brand’s finance operation.

• Overhaul and modernize the forecast and reconciliation process
• Provide collaborative critical financial and analytical support to the distribution network (Warehouse and Transportation) in support of distribution, achieving cost and business objectives
• Monitor spending and provide monthly analysis on cost variance to distribution; identify areas of success and opportunities for improvement
• Develop, maintain, and influence performance on KPIs for each DC location and brand
• Facilitate the development of the annual distribution budget, LE1, LE2 and adhoc requests for freight spend and warehousing costs
• Coordinate system implementation activities and ongoing enhancements to streamline data flows, consolidate system information, and automate processes
• Analyze data flows to determine developing impacts, concerns, and exceptions, escalating to upper management as needed
• Provide leadership and direction to Logistics Analysts, ensure appropriate staffing coverage to meet objectives, and align work priorities with company strategic goals
• Work closely with distribution, logistics, and procurement partners to build a best-in-class distribution network
• Complete special projects and duties as assigned by upper management
• Manage and perform month-end closing activities, including accounting, reconciliations, invoice charge outs to customers, and the creation of a monthly financial reporting package
• Provide collaborative critical financial and analytical support to the distribution network in support of distribution achieving cost and business objectives
• Monitor spending and provide monthly analysis on cost variance to distribution; identify areas of success and opportunities for improvement

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of professional work experience
• Minimum 5 years of finance/accounting experience
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong Communication and Collaboration skills
• Advanced analytical skills; Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence
• Can see the big picture; does not get lost in details; strives to simplify

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Supply Chain
• Experience using an ERP system; SAP preferred
• CPA or MBA
• Prior experience in logistics