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Senior Cost & Operations Finance Manager

sabertChicago, ILMay 21st, 2026
The Senior Cost & Operations Finance Manager serves as a cross-functional business partner supporting Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations to enhance Sabert's profitability, operational planning, and decision-making. This role combines deep financial acumen with manufacturing expertise to lead cost estimation, capacity analysis, and plant trial coordination-driving accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration across teams.You will act as a bridge between commercial, operational, and finance groups-supporting Sabert's Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, enabling plant process improvements, and ensuring that new product development, trials, and CapEx investments are informed by sound financial and operational data.Costing & Estimating LeadershipDevelop detailed cost models for new paper product opportunities, including artwork changes and new customs or catalog items.Collaborate with Sales, Product Management, and Project Management to align product cost assumptions with business and customer requirements.Collect and analyze key inputs across labor, materials, tooling, and production processes to calculate accurate production costs aligned with company standards.Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for Innovation paper product costing, establishing best practices and procedures for consistency and efficiency.Perform post-project analysis comparing estimated and actual costs, identifying gaps and recommending process enhancements.S&OP and Capacity Planning SupportPartner with Operations, Plant Controllers, and Supply Chain in the S&OP process to analyze capacity utilization, equipment needs, and financial implications of production changes or new programs.Assess CapEx investment opportunities and provide financial insights to guide operational and strategic decisions.Support forecasting and capacity modeling for paper plants, ensuring demand alignment and cost efficiency.Plant Trials & Continuous ImprovementCollaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to organize and financially track plant trial activities.Support evaluation of new materials, alternative suppliers, and process improvements that impact cost or throughput.Help design standardized processes for trial documentation, cost tracking, and performance review to streamline execution.Cross-Functional Communication & CollaborationServe as the financial voice for Innovation and plant initiatives, communicating cost impacts and trade-offs to diverse stakeholders.Drive timely completion of cost deliverables through proactive communication, coordination, and prioritization.Lead or participate in project review meetings, providing financial insight and data-driven recommendations.QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.5+ years of experience in cost estimating, financial analysis, or operations finance within a manufacturing or industrial environment.Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as printing, paper forming, die cutting, gluing, or corrugating.Experience contributing to or leading S&OP, capacity planning, or CapEx evaluation processesAdvanced Microsoft Excel expertise; proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Teams.Exceptional attention to detail, financial integrity, and continuous improvement mindset.Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.Why This Role MattersThis position directly influences Sabert's ability to make informed growth and investment decisions. Through strong financial analysis, operational awareness, and business partnership, the Senior Cost & Operations Finance Manager ensures that new opportunities align with strategic capacity, cost efficiency, and profitability goalsOther:* Work in accordance with all company policies and procedures regarding employment, safety, quality, product safety and legality, security, and regulatory compliance as applicable.