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 is a key contributor to financial strategy, responsible for delivering clear, data‑driven cost insights that help leadership make informed decisions. This role requires someone who can operate autonomously, quickly assess complex cost data, and translate findings into meaningful recommendations. The analyst will monitor cost trends, evaluate resource utilization, and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
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.
- Generate clear, actionable cost reports and dashboards for leadership ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Assess resources allocation, efficiency, and productivity to identify cost saving opportunities
- Analyze manufacturing labor, material, packaging, overhead, and freight costs.
- Translate analytical findings into proposed initiatives, business cases, and process 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.
- Monitor and investigate material, labor, and overhead variances.
- Recommend and support implementation of cost-control measures and efficiency improvements.
- Analyze production yields, waste, and byproducts to identify improvement opportunities.
- Develop benchmarks and performance standards to evaluate operational efficiency.
- Provide rapid, high-quality analysis for urgent leadership requests with minimal guidance.
- Perform additional duties as a 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing.