Costing Manager

Leadingnation; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Centric Brands is seeking a Costing Manager for its underwear category to lead product development, costing, and supplier engagement. You will collaborate with Design, Technical Design, and Production teams to deliver commercially viable products that meet quality and margin goals.

The role requires 8–10 years in apparel costing with strong Excel skills, plus experience with PLM/sourcing platforms and fluent English/Chinese. Travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Formal degree in textiles/apparel, engineering or related field.
• 8–10 years in apparel product costing, 5+ years in Intimates/Underwear preferred.
• Strong cost control, margin mgmt, value engineering experience.
• Experience with global brands and international sourcing.
• Advanced Excel and costing analysis skills.
• Experience with PLM systems and sourcing platforms (Infor Nexus/Inspectorio).
• Fluent English and Chinese, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to production handoff.
• Own category costing strategy within target cost parameters.
• Negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost efficiency while upholding quality.
• Develop sourcing options to meet financial targets and timelines.
• Collaborate with Design/Technical teams on manufacturability and cost optimization.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Costing analysis

English and Chinese proficiency

PLM systems

Supplier negotiation

Leadership

Education

Bachelors in Textile/Apparel/Industrial Engineering/Supply Chain

Tools

Infor Nexus

Inspectorio

Job description

About Us

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

The Costing Manager is responsible for leading product development, costing, and supplier engagement for the Underwear category. This role partners closely with Design, Technical Design, and Production teams to develop commercially viable products that meet quality, margin, and speed-to-market objectives.

Product Development Leadership

• Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept through production handoff.
• Collaborate with Design and Technical teams to translate design intent into manufacturable, cost-effective products.
• Evaluate garment construction, materials, trims, packaging, and production methods to identify opportunities for cost optimization and product enhancement.
• Drive innovation in fabrics, technologies, and manufacturing techniques to improve product performance and value.

Costing & Margin Management

• Own category costing strategy and ensure products are developed within target cost parameters.
• Create detailed cost analyses and identify opportunities for margin improvement through value engineering.
• Challenge supplier quotations and negotiate competitive pricing while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
• Develop alternative sourcing, material, and construction options to achieve financial targets.
• Monitor raw material cost trends and assess impact on business profitability.
• Provide costing recommendations and risk assessments to support business decisions.

Supplier & Sourcing Management

• Build strong partnerships with strategic underwear suppliers across China and Asia.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead supplier negotiations related to product costs, development fees, and production efficiencies.
• Drive supplier performance improvements through continuous evaluation and collaboration.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers that bring innovation, competitiveness, or technical expertise.

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

• Bachelor's Degree in Textile, Apparel, Merchandising, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline
• 8 -10 years’ experience in apparel product costing; 5 years of experience with Intimates product
• Strong experience in the Underwear / Intimates category is preferred.
• Deep understanding of underwear garment construction, fabric technologies, trims, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in costing, margin management, value engineering, and supplier negotiations.
• Experience working with global brands and international sourcing organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team
• Proven track record of driving team results and achieving goals
• Advanced Excel and costing analysis skills
• Experience with PLM systems, Infor Nexus, Inspectorio, or similar sourcing platforms.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills
• Good commands of both Spoken and written English and Chinese

Competency Requirements ( (if applicable) )

Leadership Commitments:

• Inspire Others
• Grow Talent
• Promote Belonging
• Spark Ownership

Behavioral Competencies:

• Decision Making.
• Communication.
• Collaboration.
• Conflict Management and Problem Solving.
• Driving Execution.

Language Proficiency:

Fluent in: English

Specific Working Conditions

Frequency of Travel: As required.

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Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer.