Manager-PCL

The Product Cost Manager owns end-to-end costing, financial validation, and strategic cost optimization across multiple product lines. This role acts as a critical cross-functional driver, deploying advanced cost engineering methodologies like Should Costing, Target Costing, and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) to secure competitive business cases

Key Responsibilities

Cost Modeling & Analysis

• Lead Should Costing: Develop process-based bottom-up cost models analyzing raw materials, labor, overhead, and supplier margins.
• Manage Target Costing: Define and drive material cost targets across early-stage designs and product modifications.
• Maintain Cost Workbooks: Own the product cost database, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and qualified supplier pricing sheets.
• Perform Variance Tracking: Conduct routine standard vs. actual cost analyses to flag margin erosion or price fluctuations.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Negotiation

• Support Negotiations: Provide fact-based commercial analytics to procurement teams for aggressive supplier negotiation.
• Quote Benchmarking: Evaluate raw supplier quotations against internal manufacturing data and industry standards.
• Drive Localization: Identify alternative local sourcing networks to minimize logistics risks and tariff overheads.
• Conduct Supplier Audits: Visit supplier manufacturing facilities to assess production processes and optimize pricing transparency. [1, 2, 3]

Cross-Functional Strategy & Optimization

• Drive VAVE Programs: Spearhead design-to-cost initiatives, teardowns, and material substitutions with engineering teams.
• Automate Cost Digitization: Implement and scale automated costing software and AI analytics across the production pipeline.
• Formulate Executive Reports: Deliver monthly cost forecasts, market trend analysis, and business case presentations to senior leadership.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Finance.
• Experience: Typically requires 5 to 12+ years in technical sourcing, manufacturing costing, or product development.
• Industry Focus: Prior experience in automotive

Technical Skills & Systems

• ERP Mastery: Extensive, hands-on user experience with SAP MM/FICO Modules or equivalent ERP suites.
• Cost Tools: Proficiency in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) cost software like Siemens Teamcenter Product Cost Management or Deltek MPM.
• Data Analytics: Expert-level mastery of Advanced Excel (Macros, Power Pivot) and Power BI dashboard creation.
• Lean Methodologies: Deep comprehension of Kaizen, Six Sigma, and cost-effective manufacturing processes.