Director of Finance

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

Watlow is seeking a strategic and analytical Director of Finance to serve as the chief financial business partner to the VP of the Industrials Segment-a $500M global business within Watlow. In this high-impact leadership role, you'll be responsible for driving financial strategy, long-range planning, and decision support for a global team that designs and sells advanced thermal products across critical industries like aerospace, green energy, and transportation. You'll help shape business strategy, oversee FP&A activities, and work cross-functionally to accelerate profitable growth.

This position will be based out of our global headquarters in St. Louis, MO.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Finance Leadership: Guide the Industrials segment's financial direction through rigorous analysis, investment modeling, and strategic thought partnership.
• Decision Support: Deliver actionable insights and recommendations across R&D, sales strategy, pricing, discounting, and deal structures to drive growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner across global teams (Sales Ops, Product, Marketing, HR, FP&A) to ensure alignment on financial and operational plans.
• Financial Planning & Forecasting: Lead FP&A processes including annual budgets, forecasts, long-range planning, and market sizing for the Industrials segment.
• Pipeline & Metrics Analysis: Evaluate pipeline trends, bookings, and customer acquisition data to refine forecasts and support business development.
• Opportunity Identification: Proactively identify and quantify revenue opportunities and risks, working with business leaders to turn ideas into action.
• Financial Modeling: Build and maintain advanced financial models to support scenario planning and evaluate strategic initiatives.
• Profitability Insights: Conduct detailed profitability analyses by region, customer, and product line to uncover opportunities for margin expansion.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field
• 8-10+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, strategic finance, or related roles
• Proven experience partnering with senior business leaders, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial organization with global operations
• Advanced skills in financial modeling, investment evaluation, and strategic forecasting
• Experience supporting product development, R&D, and engineering investment decisions

Desired Qualifications

• MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred
• CPA, CFA, or similar financial certification
• Familiarity with industrial markets and customer types (OEMs, end-users, distributors)
• Demonstrated ability to drive transformation or process improvement in FP&A functions

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Achievement Award
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.