Director Category Finance

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka. 

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Bio: The Director Category Finance is a highly motivated finance professional that is a hands-on, yet strategic position.  This role will lead insight-based decision making across the business through the use of analytics and data analysis in order to accelerate revenue growth and increase profitability.

• Conduct PDS reviews to improve skills and performance utilizing PDS as tool to conduct optimal performance discussions, articulate consistent skill evaluations, recommend actions and tactics, and measure progress. Support the widespread use of PDS within the finance organization. Promote and support Company culture within the finance organization.
• Responsible for understanding and delivering functional strategies, initiatives, managing risk & opportunities, and ensure delivery of financial performance.  Lead ideas and team to achieve and set new goals.
• Drive financial acumen across the business and stakeholders. Review and analyze business performance and drive forecasting/planning updates as required.  Responsible for delivering and supporting leadership with financial analysis for presentations.
• Use PPT to accelerate progress on projects, identify / keep in contact with team members and make sure all projects are up to date.  Lead cross-functional teams to to drive accuracy in financial results.  Lead and drive strategic Long-Term Planning to meet business objectives for Commercial Team.
• Business partner with business functions to lead/support financial activities to maximize return and drive growth.  Deliver financial analysis and provide recommendations supported by financials to stakeholders and business leaders.
• Lead and provide strategic direction to the Category Finance team to deliver growth and ROI goals.  Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual FP&A processes, including planning cycles, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and management reporting.  Define performance KPI’s and leading indicators that will deliver desired financial outcome.    Track and evaluate performance against KPIs, financial metrics and benchmarks.  Provide financial tools/support to maximize ROI.
• Challenge, develop and improve processes to drive efficiencies and improve performance.   Develop processes that are aligned with company policies and programs; communicate processes, provide training as needed to ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement and flawless execution of all processes and systems.   Define roles and responsibilities, process creation and execution, reporting and commercial/finance integration activities.
• Ensure financial systems, reports and analysis provide informative / actionable information needed to support and promote growth. Contribute to growth in earnings / returns via cost savings, etc.   Responsible for understanding functional strategies, initiatives, managing risk & opportunities, and ensure delivery of financial performance.  Finance lead for commercial/strategic growth projects and other key strategic projects.  Primary Business Partner to other teams: monitor spend effectiveness, guide hiring and investment decisions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Support M&A in deal valuation and due diligence through preparation NPV analysis and synergies on an as needed basis.   Partner with supported functions to influence strategy creation, including future investment decisions, capabilities, growth and profitability targets.  Perform competitive, category and industry financial analysis.

Requirements

MUST

•  experience in a fast paced environment
•  Demonstrate the ability to work as a team as well as self-directed
•  Ability to quickly learn new systems/processes
•  Detail Oriented
•  Strong planning and organizational skills
•  Excellent oral & written communication skills
•  Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Accounting or relevant experience.
•  Strong computer skills and high comfort using technology and systems
• 5 years experience in a fast paced environment
• 10 years relevant experience (minimum)

PREFERRED

•  MBA
•  Successful implementation of an integrated planning/forecasting system
•  Budgeting, planning and/or financial analysis experience.
• 2 years Acquisition experience
• 3 years relevant experience including key roles in finance organization of large CPG company

Physical Requirements

• Strong communication skills

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