Manager, Cost Modeling

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Manager of Cost Modelling to build and scale commercial capabilities in cost engineering, category intelligence, and sourcing strategy across Prime spend. The role partners with Sourcing Managers to develop robust cost models and analytical tools that inform negotiations and product roadmaps.

With a focus on should‑cost work for materials and packaging, the role drives value through advanced analytics, continuous improvement, and digitization of modelling capabilities, enabling

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience in Procurement, Finance, Cost Engineering, or Supply Chain.
• Experience in packaging, raw materials, or external manufacturing within CPG, FMCG, or management consulting.
• Strong functional expertise in procurement.
• Proven track record in project execution and process management in matrixed environments.
• Highly analytical capability with exceptional problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, and data‑synthesis skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop should‑cost models for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods isolating key cost drivers to feed the savings pipeline and anchor supplier negotiations.
• Digitize cost‑modelling capabilities and insights through the development and deployment of digital tools and templates.
• Evaluate internal specifications against industry standards to identify value‑engineering and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Calculate yields, scrap, labor, overhead, and supplier margins to determine clean cost baselines and fair market pricing.
• Translate cost insights into actionable recommendations to influence product roadmaps, cross‑functional teams, and sourcing strategies.
• Deliver analytical support for long‑range forecasting, capacity planning, cash delivery initiatives, and procurement negotiations.
• Drive continuous improvement across materials, processes, and systems to ensure cost‑optimal and sustainable manufacturing.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Data synthesis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Job Description:

The Manager, Cost Modelling is responsible for building and scaling commercial capabilities in category intelligence, cost modelling, and cost engineering to drive value leadership across Prime spend. Acting as a hands‑on strategic partner to Sourcing Managers, this role builds robust cost models, analyzes market intelligence, and develops analytical tools to elevate commercial rigor and support effective sourcing decisions.

Success in this role requires a balance of category domain expertise, sourcing acumen, and advanced analytics. The individual independently solves complex commercial problems, delivers insights to influence cross‑functional teams, and helps shape the capability roadmap.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop should‑cost models for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods isolating key cost drivers to feed the savings pipeline and anchor supplier negotiations.
• Digitize cost‑modelling capabilities and insights through the development and deployment of digital tools and templates.
• Evaluate internal specifications against industry standards to identify value‑engineering and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Calculate yields, scrap, labor, overhead, and supplier margins to determine clean cost baselines and fair market pricing.
• Translate cost insights into actionable recommendations to influence product roadmaps, cross‑functional teams, and sourcing strategies.
• Deliver analytical support for long‑range forecasting, capacity planning, cash delivery initiatives, and procurement negotiations.
• Drive continuous improvement across materials, processes, and systems to ensure cost‑optimal and sustainable manufacturing.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of experience in Procurement, Finance, Cost Engineering, or Supply Chain.
• Direct experience in packaging, raw materials, or external manufacturing within CPG, FMCG, or management consulting.
• Strong functional expertise in procurement
• Proven track record in project execution and process management in matrixed environments.
• Highly analytical capability with exceptional problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, and data‑synthesis skills.

Nice to have:

• Broader end‑to‑end supply chain or plant manufacturing experience.
• Experience operating within or supporting a Procurement Center of Excellence.
• Multi‑category cost engineering and parametric should‑cost development experience.
• Demonstrated track record of leading cross‑functional alignment across technical and commercial teams.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University. An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 79,280.00 - USD 109,010.00