Production Controller

Job Title Production Controller Job Description At Zentis

• We are Fruit Masters! Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers of jams, sweets, and custard-based desserts. The Company's North America operations are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Plymouth, Indiana, where we produce fruit and dairy preparations for a variety of customers including yogurt, ice cream and bakery manufacturers. We are currently looking to recruit a Production Controller for our Plymouth location. The Production Controller supports manufacturing operations by analyzing production costs, monitoring operational performance, maintaining financial data, and assisting plant leadership with reporting and decision-making. This role provides an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to build a career in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, operations analysis, or controlling. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Finance teams to help identify operational improvement opportunities, support labor and cost analysis, and contribute to manufacturing efficiency initiatives. Primary Responsibilities Cost Analysis & Reporting Support the tracking and reporting of manufacturing costs, including labor, overhead, inventory, and production expenses. Assist with analyzing production variances, waste, scrap, and efficiency trends. Prepare regular reports and dashboards to help monitor production performance. Investigate cost fluctuations and provide recommendations for improvement. Manufacturing & Operational Support Partner with production and operations teams to understand production performance and identify opportunities for increased efficiency. Monitor key performance metrics including labor utilization, throughput, yield, downtime, and production output. Support continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives through data collection and analysis. Participate in production walkthroughs to better understand manufacturing processes. Financial Planning & Controls Assist with monthly close activities, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Support inventory valuation, standard costing, and manufacturing accounting processes. Maintain accurate financial and operational data within ERP systems. Support internal and external audit requirements and ensure compliance with company policies. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Human Resources teams. Communicate financial and operational results in a clear and meaningful way. Provide analytical support for business decisions and operational improvement projects. Formal Education Required: Minimum: B.A. degree in accounting, finance or related. Specific Experience and Key Knowledge Requirements: 1-3 years of experience in accounting, finance, or related field preferred Prior manufacturing company experience Manufacturing ERP (enterprise resource planning) experience preferred Advanced knowledge of Excel required Special Skills and Abilities Required: Excellent written and oral communication Excellent attention to detail High energy and strong curiosity, including finding new ways for the company to improve Comfortable walking the manufacturing floor Good planning and organizational skills Strong analytical skills Language Requirements: English German not required, but a plus Travel Requirements: Travel to our headquarters in Aachen, Germany within the first year for training is required. After the first year, 10% locally and internationally. We offer a great benefits package that features: Medical (PPO and HSA plans), Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401k employer contribution Generous paid Vacation/ Sick Time & Holidays Paid Parental Leave Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance And much more! EOE/M/F/H/V