About PaneraTech, Inc.

Who We Are

PaneraTech is a high-tech company that develops digital transformation solutions for manufacturers in over 40 countries. Our disruptive technology offers unparalleled solutions that are often patent protected. Industries that use high-temperature processes, such as glass and steel, rely on PaneraTech to solve the major challenges they face. We leverage both AI and human expertise to improve efficiency, worker knowledge, and safety. We help in two major areas: 

• Asset Life Extension - With our patented solution in the glass and steel industry, we help manufacturers make data-driven decisions using sensors, data, and AI. This results in longer asset campaigns safely with higher annual production 

• Enabling the next generation of workers - Heavy industries have relied on the experience of employees who worked for 20-30 years in one plant. As a generation of operators and engineers retire, we bridge the experience gap with technology, data, and expertise. We offer solutions to our customers to make their process more data-driven so that an early career workforce can flourish. 

Working at PaneraTech 

At PaneraTech, you will be part of a global, innovative and hybrid working team. Our corporate office is based in the United States with employees spread across Europe, Asia, and South America. We also have a fully owned subsidiary in Turkey. In this collaborative and inspiring culture that is fostered by a creative and intellectually stimulating work environment, you will be encouraged to bring the best out of yourself and your colleagues. We are looking for professionals willing to work in a fast-paced environment, cannot wait to excel in their work and are crazy about improvement! We recognize our colleagues' achievements and both individual and team performance is valuable to us. 

About the role

The Director of Finance & Business Administration will lead the consolidation of regional finance teams into a unified global function, establishing transparent cost accounting systems that provide operations teams with actionable financial data. This role also oversees all aspects of business administration including relationship management with suppliers, landlords, banks, and government entities, while managing legal negotiations in contracts with these entities as well as customers. This hands-on leadership role requires both strategic vision and operational expertise to build scalable financial processes and policies that support the company's growth trajectory.

What you'll do

Financial Operations & Team Leadership

• Unify and lead finance teams across US/EU and Turkey regions under one cohesive mission and organizational structure
• Establish global financial processes and policies that standardize operations while respecting regional requirements
• Drive cultural transformation to create one unified team focused on supporting operational excellence
• Implement transparent reporting systems that provide operations teams with real-time cost visibility and decision-making data

Cost Accounting & Operational Analytics

• Develop comprehensive cost accounting framework that tracks and allocates project costs across global operations
• Create transparent cost reporting systems that clearly show operations teams the financial impact of their decisions
• Implement activity-based costing methodologies to provide accurate product and process cost insights
• Build dashboards and reporting tools that translate complex financial data into actionable operational insights

Financial Planning & Control

• Lead annual budgeting process with emphasis on operational accountability and financial discipline
• Establish rolling forecasting processes that adapt to manufacturing cycles and market conditions
• Implement variance analysis frameworks that identify cost drivers and performance gaps
• Create financial policies and controls that ensure sound financial principles across all operations

Business Administration & Strategic Support

• Lead legal contract negotiations with customers
• Support legal negotiations with financial analysis and risk assessment
• Manage banking relationships and coordinate financing activities across regions
• Oversee compliance with financial regulations across multiple jurisdictions

Technology & Process Optimization

• Leverage Microsoft Dynamics ERP system to optimize financial processes and reporting capabilities
• Drive system enhancements that improve data accuracy and reporting speed
• Implement automation solutions that reduce manual processes and increase efficiency
• Establish data governance policies that ensure financial data integrity

Supply Chain & Procurement Management

• Lead and oversee Supply Chain and Procurement functions to ensure alignment with financial objectives and cost optimization
• Drive procurement strategies that support manufacturing operations while maintaining cost discipline
• Establish procurement policies and vendor management processes that integrate with financial controls
• Collaborate with operations teams to optimize inventory management and supply chain efficiency

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive finance experience
• Proven experience in small to mid-sized companies with hands-on operational involvement
• Track record of successfully building and scaling finance functions

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics ERP system or comparable system
• Strong cost accounting background with manufacturing industry experience
• Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Experience with financial analysis, variance analysis, and performance metrics

Leadership & Communication

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams across multiple regions
• Strong negotiation skills with experience in contract and legal negotiations
• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in global, multi-regional environments

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution capabilities
• Change management experience in organizational transformation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Results-oriented with focus on continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• International finance experience with multi-currency operations
• Experience with cost accounting and inventory management
• Background in technology or manufacturing industries
• Experience with financial system implementations and process automation
• Lean/Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies