Operations Controller

Operations ControllerGurnee, IL | OnsiteDirect Hire | Robert Half ClientAbout the OpportunityThis is a GREAT opportunity with GREAT growth potential and is a medical device manufacturer. They are seeking an Operations Controller to join its leadership team in Gurnee, Illinois. The company designs and manufactures highly engineered healthcare products that are sold globally and operates within a regulated manufacturing environment with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence.This is a highly visible role that focuses heavily on operations finance, cost accounting, analytics, and business partnership rather than traditional month-end close responsibilities. The successful candidate will serve as the right hand to the Finance Director, partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and executive leadership to drive profitability, improve plant performance, and support strategic decision-making.The organization offers a unique blend of stability and growth. While part of a larger publicly traded organization, the business maintains an entrepreneurial culture that provides employees with visibility, influence, and opportunities for advancement across multiple operating companies and business units.What You'll Be DoingThis role is ideal for someone who enjoys using financial data to influence business decisions and improve operational performance.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the primary finance partner for manufacturing and operations leadershipAct as a trusted advisor to the Finance Director and business leadership teamLead inventory and cost accounting activities for the businessDevelop and maintain costing methodologies, burden rates, overhead allocations, and annual cost rollsAnalyze labor absorption, manufacturing efficiencies, overhead utilization, and plant productivity metricsEvaluate labor allocation strategies, headcount planning, and operational performance against revenue and production goalsPerform detailed variance analysis on labor, materials, inventory, and manufacturing costsPartner with operations leaders to identify cost savings and productivity improvement opportunitiesSupport budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning initiativesMonitor inventory levels and develop strategies to reduce excess and obsolete inventoryCreate meaningful dashboards, reports, and analyses that support business decisionsEvaluate capital investment projects and prepare financial justification modelsImprove financial reporting processes, controls, and operational metricsEnsure inventory accounting complies with GAAP and SOX requirementsLead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the organizationWhy This Role Stands OutFocus on driving business performance rather than primarily managing the close processOpportunity to directly influence plant profitability and operational resultsHigh visibility with senior leadershipSignificant growth potential within a multi-company organizationExposure to strategic initiatives, operational leadership, and long-term business planningOpportunity to expand into broader leadership and potentially global finance responsibilities over timeQualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required7+ years of accounting, finance, manufacturing finance, or cost accounting experience3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience preferredStrong manufacturing industry experience requiredSignificant cost accounting expertise, including:Labor absorption analysisStandard costingBurden rates and overhead allocationInventory accountingVariance analysisProduct costingStrong understanding of GAAP and SOX complianceAdvanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to aggregate and analyze large data setsExperience working with ERP systems; Epicor experience is a plusCPA, CMA, or MBA strongly preferredProven ability to translate financial information into actionable business recommendationsStrong communication, leadership, and business partnering skillsPreferred BackgroundThe ideal candidate comes from a manufacturing environment where they were deeply involved in cost accounting and operational finance. Candidates who have worked within private equity-backed or mid-sized manufacturing organizations and have experience partnering directly with plant leadership will be particularly attractive. A blend of accounting and finance experience is welcomed, provided the candidate possesses strong manufacturing cost accounting expertise.BenefitsComprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement plan with company matchGenerous paid time offPaid company holidaysLife insuranceShort-term and long-term disability coverageFlexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA) optionsEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional development and career growth opportunitiesTuition assistance and continuing education support, where applicablePerformance-based bonus opportunityAccess to a global organization with multiple career advancement pathsThis is an exceptional opportunity for a manufacturing finance professional who wants to become a strategic business partner, helping drive operational performance, improve profitability, and influence key decisions across a growing manufacturing organization.