Senior Manager, Cost Management

Job Overview

The Senior Manager of Cost Management will lead and oversee NAPA's strategic efforts to optimize cost of goods sold (COGS) across the product portfolio. This role is responsible for developing and leveraging advanced cost models, performing variance analysis, and monitoring global costs to manage product cost inflation and deflation. The position will spearhead cost reduction initiatives via supplier negotiations, detailed cost validations, and cross-functional collaboration with Category Management, Engineering, Sourcing and Pricing teams. As a strategic leader, this role will identify value enhancement opportunities and drive continuous cost improvement across global supply chains in alignment with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Management

• Lead end‑to‑end cost management of multi‑billion‑dollar procurement from a diversified, multi‑tier global supplier network
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and lead cross-functional teams to consistently achieve year-over-year value capture.
• Lead complex, high-stakes data driven supplier negotiations to secure the lowest total acquisition cost without compromising operational requirements.
• Develop and implement advanced tools and processes to improve cost analysis, reporting accuracy, and stakeholder communications.

Cost Modeling

• Lead the creation and maintenance of detailed cost models to analyze and forecast product cost changes.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams during product teardown and shouldcost modeling to understand cost drivers and enhance model precision.

Negotiation Strategy and Supplier Engagement

• Develop and execute comprehensive negotiation strategies to secure optimal terms and cost structures with global suppliers.
• Lead high-stakes supplier negotiations, leveraging market insights and cost analysis to drive cost savings without compromising quality or service.
• Partner with sourcing and category teams to align negotiation approaches with overall procurement and business objectives.

Tenders & Sourcing Strategy

• Partner with Category and Sourcing teams to refine sourcing strategies by leveraging global cost insights.
• Work cross-functionally to capture comprehensive total cost of ownership data to establish accurate baselines for procurement initiatives.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship within the organization on best practices related to cost management.

Budget and Initiative Management

• Lead the development of yearly budgets focused on cost-out targets, aligning financial goals with strategic cost management plans.
• Oversee and drive cost reduction initiatives throughout the year to achieve budget objectives, monitoring progress and adjusting actions as necessary.
• Collaborate with finance and cross-functional teams to track budget performance and report on variances and outcomes.

Leadership Responsibilities and Traits

• Lead, manage, and develop a dedicated team of cost management professionals, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and support career development plans for direct reports.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for cost management results, actively driving key initiatives with minimal oversight.
• Exhibit strategic thinking to anticipate risks and opportunities in global costs and supply chains, enabling proactive decision-making.
• Coach and develop team members by sharing knowledge, encouraging continuous learning, and promoting a culture of high performance.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership by delivering insightful cost analyses and actionable recommendations.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, balancing short-term tactical needs with long-term strategic objectives.
• Lead and influence cross-functional teams by fostering collaboration, clear communication, and alignment toward common cost reduction goals.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in cost management, procurement, global sourcing, manufacturing cost estimation, or product cost analysis.
• Extensive experience (5+ years) in supplier contract negotiation and cost control initiatives at a global scale.
• Strong financial acumen and proficiency in advanced Excel modeling and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multi-million-dollar cost reduction projects.
• Experience with global commodity markets, indices, and sourcing strategies is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and product cost drivers.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Automotive industry experience is desired.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proactive leadership style with a focus on collaboration and driving measurable results.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Typical office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.

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