Cost Optimization Manager

Responsibilities

Your Role: The Cost Optimization Manager leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of cost optimization routines across the organization. This role is responsible for identifying cost-saving opportunities, establishing standardized performance routines, and embedding sustainable cost discipline within business operations. The Manager partners cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, finance, and engineering teams to ensure that cost optimization initiatives deliver measurable financial impact and align with strategic business goals.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Identify, evaluate, and lead cost reduction initiatives across manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, engineering, and operations.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of cost-saving opportunities that deliver measurable financial impact.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, spending trends, and operational performance to uncover improvement opportunities.
• Establish processes for tracking, validating, and reporting cost savings and productivity gains.
• Drive standardization of processes, procedures, and best practices across plants and functional teams.
• Promote Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Ensure disciplined execution and governance of cost optimization programs.
• Provide financial leadership and insight into manufacturing operations, including cost structures, product profitability, labor efficiency, overhead management, and capital investments.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to align cost optimization strategies with business goals.
• Develop business cases, financial models, and ROI analyses to support strategic decisions and investment opportunities.
• Maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend corrective actions to achieve financial objectives.
• Influence and engage cross-functional teams to drive organizational alignment and accountability.
• Facilitate workshops, reviews, and governance meetings to prioritize initiatives and track progress.
• Build a culture of cost awareness, operational discipline, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Communicate project status, risks, achievements, and financial results to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in cost management, operations finance, or continuous improvement leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading cost-reduction or productivity improvement initiatives in a multi-site organization.
• Up to 25% travel required.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Proficiency in ERP and analytics tools (SAP, Power BI, Tableau, Excel).
• Knowledge of manufacturing cost structures, supply chain, and productivity metrics.
• Familiarity with standard work and performance management systems.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels.
• Results-oriented with a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Collaborative leadership and ability to drive cultural change.
• High attention to detail with strong project management discipline.

Icing On The Cake

• MBA preferred.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence programs (certification preferred).