Director Planning & Performance Management (FP&A)

Director Planning & Performance Management (FP&A)
U.S. Remote ET/CT

Advancing the Future of Freshness™, Together

AgroFresh is a fast-moving, dynamic company dedicated to delivering integrated near- and post-harvest solutions for more freshness and quality, every step of the way from harvest to home. From next-gen digital monitoring and analytics and plant-based coatings to integrated fungicide solutions and SO2 generating sheets for more intelligent packaging, you can count on us for a full suite of near- and post-harvest solutions that help enhance quality and extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables.

When you work at AgroFresh, you work with the leading experts in near- and post-harvest technologies to proactively solve the most pressing challenges. Imagine a world where the produce supply chain has more time every step of the way. Where products get to consumers exactly as the grower intended. Where food loss is minimized, sustainability maximized, and business empowered. This is the world of Smarter Freshness.

What the Role Delivers

The Director, FP&A leads financial planning and analysis for AgroFresh. The Director will develop and lead a small and focused best-in-class FP&A team and be recognized as a key contributor in driving value across the business by proving enhanced visibility and insight into key business issues and drivers. This role partners directly with the senior executive and key business leaders across regions, Operations, R&D, and functional areas and is close partner to the accounting function and Treasury. The ability of FP&A to work effectively at all levels of the organization in a collaborative manner is critical to success. This is an exceptional opportunity to partner with executive leadership to shape and influence strategic business outcomes and drive excellence and innovation in business operations. The position operates in a fast-paced, diverse, and hands-on environment. The ideal candidate is an experienced Finance and Business Operations professional and attracted to a fast-paced science-driven company, will challenge ideas, is flexible, proactive, creative and diligent and has high EQ.

• Experienced: You come with proven experience building, managing and enhancing a FP&A organization for a global company and are comfortable with navigating high-level relationships within the company. You have strong analytical and communications skills.
• Collaborative: You have a flexible, open approach to work. You thrive building clear efficiencies in unstructured environments and look for continuous improvement opportunities.
• Networked: You know how to manage relationships for the long-term and you can build a network of people who trust you. You can readily tap into an external network of finance peers.
• Communicative: Your crystal-clear approach to communication is immediately recognized, whether a team email, a strategic plan, or presenting ideas to the company’s Executives.

Key Responsibilities
In order of relative importance

• Lead the FP&A team to develop analytics and produce insight to facilitate management decision making and results measurement.
• Develop, manage and retain a team of high-performing finance professionals – become a role model for how an FP&A group works collaboratively and effectively with all parts of the company.
• Be the owner of the company’s end-to-end near-term and extended cash flow model integrated with a three-part financial statement.
• Partner with Accounting to communicate operating and financial results and future projections in a meaningful way that it is readily understood, actionable and reflects insight into key business issues.
• Provide timely, accurate and effective executive materials for internal review (e.g. management meetings, Board Meetings) and external information (e.g. lender meetings)
• Design and deploy best-in-class financial planning and business intelligence processes, systems, and tools to create a highly efficient, effective, and scalable FP&A function.
• Lead the long-range enterprise financial planning, annual budgeting and six quarterly forecasting processes to ensure accurate and timely projections for senior leadership, operational management and the Board of Directors. Link the planning and forecasting with clarity to the company’s equity model and ultimate exit strategy.
• Identify and lead projects end-to-end to enhance working capital, the cash conversion cycle and overall cash position.
• Conduct actionable data analytics on critical projects and investments such as new product innovation, sales initiatives and continuous improvement initiatives regarding cost and working capital anticipating multi-year value creation.
• Spearhead analysis associated with strategic mergers and acquisition plans, inclusive of financial modeling and forecasting. Support the Corporate Business Development efforts to evaluate new business opportunities, perform trend, competitor and market analysis.
• Lead with integrity and model for others a collaborative, transparent and inclusive leadership style.
• Manage and complete special projects as assigned.

General

• Wants to learn anything and everything about our business and industry, and the path we are pursuing. Understand the technology, products and business strategy to effectively partner with the business.

• Has very strong writing and articulation skills. Our analysis and presentations should have direct business connection and relevancy with deep actionable insight. Leads the process of preparing analysis and key messages for internal and external communications including board presentations and with the PSP investment team.
• Establishes strong internal relationships and effective communication with supporting business and functional leadership.

Who to Work With

Primary internal and external stakeholders

• Member of the Finance Leadership Team
• Global Shared Service Center
• Regional Finance Directors
• Senior Leadership Team
• Private Equity partners
• Board of Directors
• External investors

What the Job Requires

• BA/BS required. Post-undergraduate education in finance, a CPA or MBA in Finance is considered an asset.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in business finance and business operations.
• Experience with agriculture, ingredients, and specialty chemicals manufacturing companies
• PE experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with C-suite Executives, Board of Directors, investors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to give timely and meaningful counsel to senior management.
• Keen attention to detail.

What to Have Done and Know How to Do

These skills and experiences are highly desirable; however, they do not preclude exceptions based on an individual’s performance history and demonstrated potential.

• Demonstrated understanding of how strategy and business execution impact financial performance and value creation. Strong ability to convey strategic and financial messages in written materials, financial models and data analysis.
• Intimately familiar with financial modeling techniques and valuation methods, including those used by investors and analysts.
• Comfortable with scientific and technical information and data, with an ability to synthesize and distill complex information into simple, clear messages.
• Well organized and sound judgement. Ability to think conceptually; is forward looking, continually innovating and improving. Results and process driven and possesses excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to perform in a high-pressure environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Self-starter, well organized. Strong work ethic and sound judgement. Team orientation and ability to work effectively in a matrix organization.
• Experienced with accounting and reporting standards.
• Quick study on both the commercial and operational side of the business.

Why Work Here

• We work every day to improve the quantity and quality of fresh produce and reduce food waste – that is important to every person on the planet!
• We have a rich history and are known for our quality products.
• We have an enterprising spirit and are looking for like-minded problem-solvers to help us accomplish our goals.
• We focus on the Critical Few priorities that are important for us and our customers and then hold ourselves accountable to deliver.
• We are growing and transforming – both our business and the industry.
• We are committed to developing our colleagues and helping you advance in your career.
• We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages.

Local Details

• This is a remote position; the ideal candidate will be based in Eastern or Central time zones
• Candidates must live in one of the following eligible states to be considered: PA, NY, NJ, NC, FL, GA, MI, TN, VA