Finance Manager, Expense FP&A

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential pool equipment, with a growing presence in the commercial pool market. We offer innovative, sustainable solutions and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, we have facilities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and China.

As the Finance Manager of Expense FP&A, you will lead the strategic execution of the operating expense planning cycle including annual operating plans, quarterly forecasts, and monthly variance analysis while serving as a trusted financial advisor to senior functional leadership. Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager of Expense FP&A, you will play a critical role in optimizing cost structure, driving operational efficiency, and fostering a strong data-driven culture across the organization.

Strong communication skills are essential, as you will collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, conveying complex financial concepts clearly and effectively. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment is crucial as you navigate ambiguity, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver insights that drive results aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.

This role will also assume people management responsibilities, with a Finance Analyst reporting into position with six months. You’ll play a key role in onboarding, developing, and mentoring this team member to support your broader FP&A initiatives.

· Serve as a strategic finance business partner to VP-level leaders, supporting effective operating expense (Opex) management.

· Own the quarterly forecast and annual operating plan cycles, providing insightful commentary on cost drivers, variances, and performance trends.

· Drive financial accountability by identifying cost risks, operational inefficiencies, and cost-savings opportunities.

· Deliver timely, actionable expense variance analysis across departments, aligning financials with strategic KPIs.

· Partner with the Senior Finance Manager of Expense FP&A to prepare monthly deliverables for Global FP&A consolidation and executive reporting.

· Lead cost transformation initiatives and manage a portfolio of cost optimization efforts to support margin expansion.

· Champion automation and process improvement, standardizing report and developing self-service tools and dashboards to empower business leaders.

· Support Capex request and analysis for respective departments as needed.

· Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and coaching to Finance Analyst, fostering a high-performance and learning-driven environment.

· Exceptional communication and influencing skills, particularly in cross-functional and leadership-facing environments.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to align financial objectives to business priorities and identify levers to drive margin improvement.

· High degree of ownership, analytical curiosity, and resilience when managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.

· Passion for challenging the status quo, driving transparency, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

· Demonstrated leadership skills, with a focus on developing talent and building high-performing, collaborative teams.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related analytical field; MBA preferred.

· 8+ years of progressive experience in FP&A or as a finance business partner, ideally within a matrixed organization.

· Experience in mentoring junior team members and creating an environment that encourages ownership, learning and accountability.

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong PowerPoint and storytelling capabilities.

· Proficiency with ERP and reporting tools such as Microsoft D365, Masterpiece, OneStream, or similar systems.

· Experience with Power BI or other data visualization/automation tools is a strong plus.