Director of Finance, Operations

Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.

Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.

We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.

That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Finance, Operations is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing and driving financial planning, operational efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration at Hawaiian Host Group. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, as well as the Operations and Supply Chain teams, this dynamic role ensures financial strategies are aligned with operational goals to support profitability, sustainability, and long-term growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Financial Leadership
• Lead the development and implementation of financial strategies, budgets, and forecasts for operational functions
• Monitor financial performance, identifying trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal controls, and corporate policies
• Provide insights and recommendations to executive leadership on cost management and investment opportunities
• Implement industry best practice programs, budgets, and financial systems to enable Plant Managers and General Managers to effectively run their business units at a lower COGS/lb. basis.
• Technical Capability
• Deep understanding of Operations Finance in a Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) environment, including best practices in Manufacturing Accounting, Budgeting, Metrics, Cost Savings, and Complex Project Cost Analysis.
• Experience with Capital Project Management programs on project justification and capital portfolio management. This role will have the capability to deploy a full capital management program for the company partnering with the Head of Engineering. Collaborate on capital expenditure planning and asset management strategies
• Experience with and understanding of Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and/or other Continuous Improvement Programs with the ability to support and engage with the business to drive improvement and cost savings in partnership with the Supply Chain and Operations teams.
• Strong understanding of commodity-based procurement, manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and end to end supply chain operations
• Experience and understanding of how to fully leverage ERP capabilities, data warehouse management, and the development of world-class metrics in partnership with the Operations Leadership Team.
• Operational Collaboration
• Partner with Operations leadership to optimize resource allocation, supply chain management, and production efficiency
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational effectiveness
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to reduce costs and improve operational processes
• Team Leadership
• Mentor and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement
• Promote a culture of accountability and fact-based, data-driven decision-making across teams
• Act as a key liaison between Finance and other departments, ensuring alignment on priorities and initiatives
• Provide direct oversight and support to site controllers, ensuring consistency in financial practices and alignment with organizational goals
• Strategic Planning
• Drive long-term financial planning and risk management strategies to support the company’s vision and goals
• Analyze market trends, industry developments, and competitive landscapes to inform strategic decisions
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic growth opportunities
  
  
  

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Exemplify adherence to company policies and procedures while consistently upholding high standards in all responsibilities
• Fulfill any additional duties or projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to meeting organizational needs
• Regular attendance is required for the position
  
  
  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Master’s/MBA preferred)
• CPA or CMA certification is a plus
• 8+ years of progressive experience in finance, including leadership roles in operations-focused environments
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, farming, or food production industries is highly desirable
• Proven ability to lead financial planning, analysis, and process improvement initiatives
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
• Proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, Excel, Power BI)
• Strategic thinking with a strong analytical mindset
• Leadership and team development capabilities
• Results-driven with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Collaborative and adaptable to dynamic environments
• Ability to effectively present information to the Board, Executive Leadership Team, and across all levels of the organization.
  
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions
• The position requires carrying less than 25 pounds; bending; stooping; crouching; side bending; overhead reaching; handling; stair climbing; forward reaching; grasping; sitting; standing; walking, finger dexterity; vision; hearing; eye-hand-foot coordination
  
  
  

COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

• The position requires talking to co-workers and customers; written communication to co-workers and customers; talking to outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to outside persons/vendors; talking on the telephone; responding to written or verbal requests of co-workers and vendors; receiving verbal and written instructions; writing/composing written language; and reading
  
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• 1) Normal office conditions with very little exposure to outside weather conditions, noise, extreme heat, or dust
• 2) The noise level in the work environment is usually light.
  
  
  

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.