Senior Manager, Operations FP&A

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

As a Senior Manager, Operations FP&A at Watlow, you will serve as a primary strategic finance partner to the COO and the operations leadership team, including Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality. This role combines leadership with hands-on analysis, guiding operational financial strategy and driving initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

The Senior Manager oversees the end-to-end operations financial planning process, leads cross-functional operational reviews, and ensures operational metrics are integrated into the company's strategic and financial objectives. This position plays a key role in influencing decision-making at the highest levels of the operations function.

We are looking for someone who can be based out of our global headquarters in St. Louis, MO.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Be a Trusted Partner: Work directly with our COO and operations leaders as their go-to financial advisor, shaping strategies that drive the business forward.
• Shape the Future: Lead financial planning for operations, supporting key initiatives like sourcing decisions, productivity programs, and quality improvements.
• Turn Data into Action: Deliver impactful analysis, scenario modeling, and insights that help guide high-stakes decision-making.
• Drive Performance: Lead monthly and quarterly business reviews, uncovering root causes behind results and recommending solutions.
• Measure What Matters: Build easy-to-use dashboards and track KPIs to spotlight performance and validate cost savings.
• Set the Standard: Bring consistency to operational reporting and KPI definitions across all sites, ensuring one clear view of success.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work hand-in-hand with FP&A and business units to make sure operational results are reflected in overall company performance.
• Innovate & Optimize: Champion process improvements, automation, and BI tools to unlock faster insights and smarter decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA or CPA/CMA preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in manufacturing operations finance, supply chain finance, or FP&A leadership
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures, supply chain operations, procurement processes, and quality metrics
• Proven track record of influencing senior leadership and driving cross-functional initiatives
• Advanced financial modeling, data analytics, and BI tool skills

Desired Qualifications

• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen and the ability to connect financial insights to operational outcomes
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership
• Ability to balance big-picture strategic thinking with hands-on execution and attention to detail
• Strong leadership presence with the confidence to influence, challenge, and guide decision-making at all levels

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.