Universal Ingredients -Innovative Plant-Based Solutions for Global Industries
Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.
Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.
Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.
Job Description For: Sr. Cost Analyst
Division/Department: Finance
Location: Grandview
Type of Position: Full Time
Salary/Wage: Exempt
Reports To: Finance Director
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Senior Cost Analyst serves as a strategic business partner to Operations, Sales, Procurement, and Executive Leadership. This position is responsible for financial planning and analysis, manufacturing cost accounting, inventory analysis, KPI development, and profitability improvement initiatives throughout the organization. Working closely with the Director of Finance and Controller, the Senior Cost Analyst provides financial insights that drive operational decision-making, improve manufacturing efficiency, optimize product profitability, and support long-term strategic objectives. This role focuses heavily on manufacturing finance, inventory management, standard costing, and operational performance within a food manufacturing environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Perform detailed cost studies, variance analysis, and cost to serve evaluation to support operation and financial decision making.
-
Conduct profitability analyses by product, customer, business unit, and production line.
-
Track cost behavior over time, highlight emerging patterns, and forecast future impacts.
-
Develop and maintain key performance indicators for manufacturing, inventory, procurement, and financial performance.
-
Create and maintain costing documentation, procedures, and system controls.
-
Analyze manufacturing labor, material, packaging, overhead, and freight costs and present findings to departments heads and executive leaders.
-
Monitor and investigate material, labor, and overhead variances.
-
Evaluate inventory trends, turnover, aging, and working capital utilization.
-
Generate clear, actionable cost reports and dashboards for leadership ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
-
Translate analytical findings into proposed/recommended initiatives, business cases, process improvements and support implementation of those cost-control measures and efficiency improvements.
-
Partner with operations, supply chain, procurement, and finance team to validate assumptions and align on cost strategies.
-
Maintain ongoing oversight of cost drivers, market changes, and internal performance metrics.
-
Analyze production yields, waste, and byproducts to identify improvement opportunities.
-
Develop benchmarks and performance standards to evaluate operational efficiency.
-
Promote financial accountability throughout the organization.
-
Support continuous improvement initiatives and strategic projects.
-
Perform additional duties as assigned.
WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
-
4–7+ years of experience in cost analysis, FP&A, operations finance, or similar analytical roles
-
Solid understanding of cost accounting principles, forecasting, and financial modeling
-
Ability to build automated reporting tools and dashboards
-
Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment
-
Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office, excel, etc.)
-
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and highly organized
-
Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
-
Good communication and coordination skills
-
Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
-
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business analytics, or related field is required.
-
MBA, Master of Accounting, secondary bachelor’s, or related advanced degrees is preferred.
-
CPA, CMA, or related credentials are required.
Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing.
