Plant Controller
We’re excited to invite you to apply for the Plant Controller position at Just Born, Inc. As a family-owned business and the 11th largest candy manufacturer in the U.S.*, we’ve been spreading joy since 1923 from our Pennsylvania headquarters. (*Circana)
Our iconic brands—MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES®, GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®, and the world-famous PEEPS®—delight candy lovers everywhere.
If you’re ready to help us fulfill our mission of Bringing Sweetness to People’s Lives!, we can’t wait to hear from you!
Position Summary:
Join Just Born as a Plant Controller and play a pivotal role in driving transformation and cost excellence at our manufacturing facilities in Bethlehem and Philadelphia. In this dynamic role, you'll lead cost accounting operations, provide actionable insights, and collaborate with leadership to improve processes and achieve plant performance goals. Be part of an exciting growth journey with opportunities to shape our future while developing your career.
Work Model: This position offers a hybrid work model with 2 days in office. However, to ensure a strong start, additional in-office days will be required during the onboarding period. This will allow the selected candidate to gain hands-on experience with our operations, collaborate on-site with team members, and build key relationships.
Location: Bethlehem, PA
How You’ll Impact Results:
1. Lead Operations Accounting:
o Business partner to Director of Manufacturing
o Manage all cost accounting functions, including standard and actual cost development, product costing analysis, and financial reporting
o Own monthly/quarterly/annual financial closing processes for both manufacturing sites
o Develop forecasts and projections as well as gauge performance versus plan and recommend actions to improve and enhance profitability and performance
2. Drive Performance:
o Collaborate with leadership to set plant performance goals and create metrics for success.
o Deliver data-driven insights to improve operational efficiency and profitability
o Manage and document cost savings projects and their status
3. Analyze & Improve:
o Evaluate operational processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend solutions for continuous improvement on costs, material yields, capacity, and equipment utilization
o Analyze performance to explain results and identify inefficiencies
4. Strategic Planning:
o Partner with cross-functional teams on strategic initiatives and cost-saving proposals
o Drive strategic planning processes for the Bethlehem & Philadelphia manufacturing facilities
Your Qualifications That Will Ensure Success:
1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
2. Experience:
o 5+ years in cost accounting, preferably within a consumer products environment.
o Experience directly supporting manufacturing operation required.
o Experience with Bills of Materials and SAP (superuser preferred).
o Advanced Excel skills (e.g., macros, pivot tables).
3. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to influence, manage, and motivate teams while fostering collaboration and results-driven performance.
4. Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting, with experience in developing complex financial models.
5. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive results effectively.
6. Continuous Improvement Mindset: Committed to identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing impactful solutions.
7. Technical Skills:
o SAP experience highly preferred
o Advanced Excel skills with ability to analyze and organize large sets of data
Just Born is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
Our Pledge to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
At Just Born Quality Confections, we pledge to create a workplace where associates feel inspired to bring their whole selves to work.
We are committed to acting boldly with integrity, authenticity, and humility to listen, learn and grow. Part of this commitment includes creating an equitable environment for all associates and advocating for those whose voices are historically and chronically marginalized.
Our purpose is to bring sweetness to people’s lives and can only be fully realized by pledging to value all people, all races, all cultures, all religions, all love, all genders and all abilities, because Together We Are Better.
Why it’s Sweet to Work at Just Born:
· Legacy & Stability: 101+ years of iconic brands and family-owned success.
· Inclusive Culture: Built on RESPECT and community engagement.
· Competitive Compensation: Base salary, Achievement Awards, and generous 401(k) with company contributions.
· Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA contributions, and flexible options.
· Work/Life Balance: Hybrid work model, paid time off and holidays from day one.
· Wellness & Growth: Onsite wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and Employee Assistance Programs.