Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we prepare to transition from research and development to commercialization, we are seeking a seasoned Finance and Commercial Planning Director to join our team.

The Finance & Commercial Planning Director will play a pivotal role in driving strategic decision-making processes by leading the development and execution of our IBP framework and playing a key role in product planning. This individual will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align financial planning with operational activities, ensuring seamless integration across all business functions. Reporting directly to the EVP, Procurement, Finance and Sustainability, the Finance & Commercial Planning Director will play a critical role in guiding the company's financial strategy and decision-making process. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, as well as excellent communication and leadership skills.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

· Develop and maintain dynamic financial models that incorporate information on production volumes, sales demand, pricing, COGS, CapEx, and SG&A projections.

· Work closely with cross-functional teams (R&D, Tech Transfer, Procurement, Product Development) to understand performance against key indicators and adjust costs and projections.

· Analyze financial performance, identify trends, and provide insights to senior management to support strategic decision making, and drive business growth and profitability.

Commercial Planning & Decision Support

· Develop and implement an IBP framework that integrates financial planning, sales and operations planning (S&OP), demand planning, supply chain management, commercial planning, and pricing strategies.

· Partner with product and commercial team to provide financial insights and analysis that inform market expansion, product development, and partnerships.

· Evaluate potential investments and strategic opportunities, conducting financial due diligence and ROI analysis.

· Construct budget and business case for products that includes market mapping, demand planning, and pricing

Budgeting and Forecasting:

· Lead the annual budgeting process and quarterly forecasting cycles, working closely with department heads to develop accurate and actionable financial plans.

· Monitor budget variances, identify areas of concern or opportunity, and provide recommendations to optimize resource allocation and drive efficiency.

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

· Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and presentations for senior management, investors, and other stakeholders.

· Conduct in-depth financial analysis to support strategic initiatives, investment decisions, and business development opportunities.

Strategic Planning and Decision Support:

· Partner with product and commercial team to provide financial insights and analysis that inform market expansion, product development, and partnerships.

· Evaluate potential investments and strategic opportunities, conducting financial due diligence and ROI analysis.

Risk Management and Compliance:

· Identify financial risks and opportunities, assess their potential impact on the business, and develop strategies to mitigate risks.

· Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accounting standards, staying informed of industry trends and best practices.

· Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field, CFA/CPA, MBA or advanced finance degree preferred.

· Minimum of 7 years of experience in commercially oriented finance roles, ideally in growing food/ beverage company.

· Strong proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.

· Experience working with cross functional teams to support commercial and product planning.

· Strong understanding of integrated business planning (IBP) processes and principles.

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

· Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

· Proven leadership and communication skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.

· Strategic mindset with the ability to think creatively and drive innovation.

· Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth entrepreneurial environment preferred.