Finance Director, Cocoa Value Chain North America
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Job Description
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For North America, we are looking for an experienced commodity finance professional to deliver immediate impact for the market leader in Cocoa and Chocolate. The complex market environment (supply deficit, higher price volatility, short-term demand destruction, product mix changes, new regulations, …) requires a thorough review of the End-to-End (E2E) value chain of Barry Callebaut, i.e. across business units and functions. As Costing, Pricing and Cocoa price risk management are cornerstones of the profitability of Barry Callebaut, the incumbent will design, document and support the implementation of key process steps to adapt to the new normal. Due to the importance of the role, the Finance Director, Cocoa Value Chain North America will have a dotted line to the Regional CFO and be part of the local Finance leadership team.
Job Description
For North America, we are looking for an experienced commodity finance professional to deliver immediate impact for the market leader in Cocoa and Chocolate. The complex market environment (supply deficit, higher price volatility, short-term demand destruction, product mix changes, new regulations, …) requires a thorough review of the End-to-End (E2E) value chain of Barry Callebaut, i.e. across business units and functions. As Costing, Pricing and Cocoa price risk management are cornerstones of the profitability of Barry Callebaut, the incumbent will design, document and support the implementation of key process steps to adapt to the new normal. Due to the importance of the role, the Finance Director, Cocoa Value Chain North America will have a dotted line to the Regional CFO and be part of the local Finance leadership team.
Together, we strive to create value and impact with what we do, working always in a cross-functional environment. While we are part of the Global Cocoa organization, our scope encompasses all aspects from cocoa sourcing, cocoa processing to cocoa contracting and price risk management in Chocolate. We partner with the commercial and functional business leaders in building and retaining cocoa expertise. Therefore, the incumbent will be well prepared for future leadership roles in Cocoa and Chocolate Finance.
To succeed and achieve our mission, we need people with strong expertise of the key value drivers in the cocoa and chocolate value chain (or similar commodity). There will not only be the complexity of the E2E value chain, but also ambiguity i.e. you will be working within an environment characterized by inherent uncertainty and a lack of clear-cut information. This requires the ability to make decisions and drive progress even when faced with incomplete data, shifting priorities, or unclear objectives. It requires a high degree of adaptability, resourcefulness, and a willingness to navigate uncharted territory with confidence and a problem-solving mindset. To operate in such an environment, you must be comfortable with continuous learning and iterative approaches, recognizing that initial assumptions may need to be revised as new information emerges or the cocoa market changes. Additionally, it requires strong communication skills to articulate evolving situations and potential pathways forward to stakeholders, fostering understanding and collaboration despite the absence of definitive answers. In short, you must be willing to embrace and drive change to part of this exclusive team.
Responsibilities & Scope
Phase 1 - Review
Review and document existing processes around contracting and cocoa price risk management, as well as the link with the financial closing (“Clarity”)
Conduct reviews of specific areas (assignments / projects) i.e.
Collect, examine, analyze, and verify information about processes, systems and controls by interviewing employees, reviewing system data, manuals, policies, reports, etc..
Identify potential shortcoming and areas of improvements
Develop recommendations for changes to processes and systems that will adequately manage risks, improve performance and productivity and ensure that BC can achieve its objectives. Effectively communicate and present those recommendations to appropriate stakeholders and seek agreement on those
Prepare reports that accurately document the processes, findings and recommendations
When assignment lead, plan and lead the team so that objectives are met and the assignment is concluded on time
Phase 2 - Fix & build
Drive forward corrective action implementation from previous findings by Group Internal Audit, project ‘Insight’ or phase I. This might be as simple as coordinating and following up (including reviewing supporting documentation that the improvements are sustainable) or in some cases, active support to improve processes
If not existing yet, design key controls along the process
Phase 3 - Sustain & monitor
Leverage insights from phase I and II globally i.e. share across regions
Monitor sustainable resolution of previously identified shortcomings
Potentially ad-hoc review (audits)
Phase 4 - Level up
Support implementation of structural improvements (project insight, managerial P&L vs. accounting P&L, …)
Phase 5 - Continuous improvement
Overarching/continuously
Become a subject matter expert within the team for allocated (sub-) processes
Support assignment and resource planning process
Promote and perform best practice sharing
Support training and upskilling of jobholders by functional experts
Collect and share ideas for continuous improvement
Key Focus areas / subject matter expert / allocated processes
While the various team members will have an evolving focus based on the phases (as described above), in this position, the key focus is on Finance North America related areas.
As a member of the ‘Cocoa Process Center of Expertise (CoE) and Audit’ team, you will support the functional leaders in building and retaining cocoa expertise. Furthermore, you will supervise the adherence to key controls. When and where needed, this might include providing risk-based, independent and objective assurance, advice and insights.
Scope
Geographical scope: North America
Functional:
Finance (FBP, FP&A, Accounting, Treasury, Tax)
Pricing
Risk management (Middle & Back Office)
Sourcing & Trading (Front Office)
CSD (Supply Chain, Production, …)
Business segments:
Cocoa Sourcing & Trading
Cocoa Processing
Chocolate
Education, Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters preferred
Proven leadership skills
Strong stakeholder management
Very strong analytical skills and ability to model and visualize complex topics
Ability to condense insights in stakeholder relevant key messages
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
Exposure to commodity or soft-commodity industry is a must-have
Very good understanding of the key value drivers and position elements of the cocoa and chocolate industry
Trading experience is an asset
Strong finance knowledge
Project management experience is a plus
Proficiency in English (oral and written), any additional language are advantageous (in particular French or Spanish)
What Can You Expect From Barry Callebaut
Salary Range of $145,000 - $190,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package
Paid time off, plus generous holiday time
Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility
An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.
At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth. Seniority level Seniority levelDirector
Employment type Employment typeFull-time
Job function Job functionFinance and Sales
IndustriesFood and Beverage Services and Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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- Location:
- Chicago, IL
- Salary:
- $200
- Category:
- Accountancy