Cost Manager POST NUMBER: 474585
Strategic Cost Manager
Position Overview:
The Strategic Cost Manager is responsible for driving enterprise-wide cost optimization initiatives through data-driven analysis, financial modeling, and cross-functional collaboration. This role partners with business leaders to identify cost-saving opportunities, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term financial strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead cost optimization initiatives across departments, identifying and implementing sustainable savings opportunities
- Analyze cost structures, spending patterns, and operational efficiencies to drive margin improvement
- Develop and maintain financial models to support cost reduction strategies and business cases
- Partner with procurement, operations, and finance teams to evaluate vendor contracts and sourcing strategies
- Conduct variance analysis and provide insights into cost drivers and performance trends
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes with a focus on cost management and efficiency targets
- Establish and track KPIs related to cost savings, productivity, and operational performance
- Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote a cost-conscious culture across the organization
- Ensure alignment with corporate financial goals and compliance with internal controls
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required (MBA or CPA preferred)
- 5–8 years of experience in finance, cost analysis, FP&A, or operations finance
- Strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and cost accounting principles
- Experience working in a corporate or manufacturing environment preferred
- Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar); experience with data tools (Power BI, Tableau) a plus
Core Competencies:
- Strategic thinking with a focus on value creation and cost efficiency
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive change
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- High attention to detail with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.