Senior Director Financial Planning Analysis

Handler, an Atlanta-based executive search firm with a 47-year track record of success, is leading a confidential search for a Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis on behalf of our client.

Candidates must be based in the Atlanta area at the time of application; relocation is not offered. While there is flexibility to work remotely or from a regional office when not traveling, Atlanta residency is required.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of progressive financial leadership experience within the manufacturing sector, with a demonstrated ability to lead finance functions for business units in the $500M–$750M revenue range.

This leadership role reports to the Senior Vice President & GM with dotted-line reporting to the Vice President of Finance. The role manages a team of ten, including three direct reports.

*** Full details will be shared upon execution of a signed NDA ***

Our client is a well-established, global manufacturing organization serving both industrial and consumer markets. The company develops and delivers highly engineered products and solutions used in everyday life across a wide range of sectors.

With a legacy of innovation and operational excellence, the company operates more than a dozen manufacturing facilities worldwide and maintains a strong commitment to research, sustainability, and customer collaboration. Its diverse global footprint and entrepreneurial culture support ongoing growth, product innovation, and talent development across the organization.

As the company continues its transformation into a more unified and globally integrated business, the Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis will play a critical role in developing and scaling its strategic finance function. This is a unique opportunity to join a resilient and growth-oriented organization at a time of global expansion. This highly visible position offers the chance to lead financial strategy and planning for a key division. Supported by strong executive leadership, the Senior Director will guide a high-performing team and provide analytical insights that influence decision-making and drive sustainable growth.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Director, FP&A will lead global financial planning and strategy for a business, spanning 15 manufacturing sites. This high-impact role will co-develop a five-year financial roadmap, oversee planning, budgeting, and forecasting, and guide strategic decisions as a key member of the Global Leadership Team. The role also includes building and leading a high-performing global FP&A team while partnering closely with senior leadership to drive profitable growth and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic & Financial Leadership

- Develop and execute a multi-year strategic financial plan

- Lead all FP&A activities including budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning

- Ensure financial alignment with business objectives and operational strategy

Decision Support & Business Partnership

Serve as a key financial advisor to divisional leadership

Provide rigorous financial analysis to evaluate business proposals and investment opportunities

Deliver insights on revenue, cost, and margin trends to improve performance

Performance Management & Risk Oversight

Standardize financial planning and reporting processes across regions

Leverage data modeling and forecasting to support strategic decisions

Ensure compliance with financial policies and manage risk exposure

Team Leadership

Lead and develop a geographically dispersed FP&A team

Foster a culture of high performance, innovation, and continuous improvement

Support talent development and succession planning across the finance organization

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of progressive financial leadership experience within the manufacturing sector, with a demonstrated ability to lead finance functions for business units in the $500M–$750M revenue range. Key qualifications include:

Deep expertise in budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and financial reporting

Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cost structures

Ability to build credibility with senior executives and cross-functional teams

Hands-on experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Proven success in leading and mentoring high-performing finance teams

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

We seek a financial planning and analysis expert who thrives in a fast-paced dynamic environment while demonstrating sound judgment, humility, and honesty. This individual will align seamlessly the corporate culture which is rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit—valuing individuals who take ownership of their work, think creatively, and seek out innovative ways to drive results. Team members are encouraged to challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas to the table, and use their unique skills and perspectives to help the business overachieve.

The candidate’s personal characteristics should also include:

Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills

Strategic and critical thinking and ability to balance strategic and tactical considerations in a rapidly changing organization

Demonstrates the ability to quickly absorb complex information, develop actionable plans with the data available, and confidently execute

Comfortable making informed decisions in dynamic environments, with a strong ability to pivot and adapt as new information emerges

Highly agile and emotionally intelligent, with a calm, composed presence under pressure and a flexible approach that builds trust, credibility, and strong cross-functional partnerships—even in fast-changing or uncertain environments

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS - 30% includes global travel

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS - A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is required; an MBA is preferred

COMPENSATION -Our client offers an excellent compensation package encompassing a competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus an annual bonus