Product Cost Manager

Reporting to a Senior Product Cost Manager based in the UK, this role will be responsible for the New Product Development (NPD) projects from inception till its launch into the marketplace.

The role involves working globally (UK, SG & Malaysia) with a cross functional team spanning NPI/NPD RDD Designers, Commercial Marketing, Engineering, Procurement, Operations and Finance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive E2E product cost governance, optimize cost, maximize efficiencies, and make recommendations to achieve profitability targets for NPD projects.
• Provide timely, accurate and insightful analysis on product cost to support project milestones, financial health checks, change management, and risk-opportunity tracking.
• Generate cost build-up estimates for new NPD Research Design and Development (RDD) projects and evaluate multiple design alternatives for the lowest cost possible.
• Embed new ways of working across the cross-functional team to raise the profile and importance of product cost, fostering a cost-conscious environment.
• Collaborate while challenging multiple stakeholders (Designers, Engineering, Operations, Procurement, and Finance) to achieve stretch cost targets.
• Manage the monthly reporting cycle to support product cost change movements and understand associated risks and opportunities impacting product development.
• Drive continuous improvement throughout data, process, and people.
• Communicate with impact and create a sense of urgency and responsibility to address cost challenges.
• Take ownership over the entire Global NPD portfolio range for the products Category.

Knowledge and Specialist Skills:

• Ability to think strategically and operationalize those strategic plans into execution plans with clear KPIs.
• Governance of detailed ‘should cost’ to validate supplier quotes and ensure target costs are achieved.
• Knowledge of manufacturing capabilities such as plastic injection moulding, metal extrusion/stamping, rubber over-mould, and electronics PCB assembly.
• Knowledge of design optimization using Value-Engineering Concept.
• Strong analytical ability to provide cost insight and actionable deliverables.
• Evaluate multiple cost-down ideas and “make” vs “buy” analysis.
• Ability to manage product design complexity and influence senior stakeholders.

About You:

• Excel in dynamic, fast-changing environments with a global presence and diverse stakeholders.
• Passionate about solving complex problems and bringing people with competing goals together to achieve shared objectives.
• Hold a degree in engineering, manufacturing, or cost accounting, with over 5 years of experience in a product cost engineering role.
• Track record of driving change, implementing process improvements, and transforming ways of working.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication, leadership, and influencing skills.