Manager of Cost Management

Safran; Gainesville (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Seats USA is seeking a Manager of Cost Accounting to lead cost estimation, analysis, and control across programs. You will partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to drive cost efficiency and reliable forecasts while guiding a team of cost professionals to ensure accuracy and strategic value.

The role focuses on early bid cost work, lifecycle cost management, and continuous improvement within a high‑tech aerospace manufacturing environment in Gainesville, TX.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in cost management or financial analysis.
• Experience in commercial aviation or regulated manufacturing preferred.
• Strong skills in cost estimation, modeling, and forecasting.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and cost management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimation, analysis, and control functions.
• Develop tools and methodologies for forecasting and cost tracking.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance and Program Management.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives and optimize product lifecycle costs.
• Mentor and develop the cost management team.

Skills

Cost management

Financial modeling

Leadership

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/Finance

Master's degree preferred

Certification in cost analysis/financial management a plus

Tools

ERP systems

Cost management software

Job description

Manager of Cost Accounting

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

With more than one million seats installed across the fleets of the world's leading airlines, Safran Seats is one of the global leaders in passenger, crew, aircraft and helicopter seating, delivering innovative, high value-added solutions.

Reference number

2026-191291

Job details

Domain

Production

Job field / Job profile

Industrial engineering - Quotation & costing manufacturing engineering

Job title

Manager of Cost Accounting

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

As a member of Safran Seats, you contribute to providing over one million seats to airlines worldwide, ensuring superior quality, comfort, and innovation. Your role involves collaborating with a team to develop high-value solutions for passengers and crews. Safran is one of the few OEMs offering a comprehensive range of passenger seats, from economy to first class, allowing you to take pride in creating impressive seating options for various needs.

Occupational Summary (Position Objective & Authorities)

Objective:

The Manager of Cost Management is responsible for leading the cost estimation, cost analysis, and cost control functions to enhance financial decision-making and operational efficiency within Safran Seats USA. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate cost assessments for sales offers, program development, and long-term strategic planning. The Manager of Cost Management collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Program Management, to drive cost efficiency, mitigate financial risks, and implement cost-reduction strategies. This role works independently and reports to the Director of Industrial Eng./Operations Mgmt. This role manages a team of cost managers.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

• Lead cost management activities related to bids, advanced projects, and program developments, ensuring precise recurring cost estimates, including aftermarket costs.
• Develop and maintain cost estimation tools and methodologies to ensure accuracy and consistency in financial forecasting.
• Collaborate with Product Line Managers, Program Managers, Procurement, and Engineering teams to drive cost-reduction initiatives and achieve cost optimization targets.
• Analyze cost impact assessments for change control board activities and provide recommendations for cost-saving measures.
• Ensure continuity and standardization in cost management processes throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to final delivery.
• Design and implement cost structure models to optimize cost efficiency across product lines.
• Perform make/buy analyses to drive strategic sourcing decisions and cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee the monitoring, updating, and validation of RFQ templates, ensuring that cost assessments align with business objectives.
• Support supplier negotiations by providing comprehensive cost breakdowns and justifications.
• Conduct financial risk assessments and implement mitigation plans to address cost fluctuations and market uncertainties.
• Lead, mentor, and develop cost management staff, providing guidance on best practices in cost control and financial planning.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, evaluate employee performance, and initiate promotions, transfers, and corrective action.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, financial regulations, and industry cost management standards.

Candidate skills & requirements

Qualification Requirements:

A. Education & Qualification-

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Manufacturing Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field required or 6 years equivalent experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Certification in cost analysis, financial management, or a related field is a plus.

B. Work Experience - Technical knowledge-

• 6+ years of experience in cost management, financial analysis, or related functions.
• Experience in the commercial aviation industry or a comparable regulated manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Strong expertise in cost estimation, cost modeling, and financial forecasting techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and cost management software.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and their financial implications.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and cost reduction methodologies

C. Professional Skills-

• Excellent analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to senior leadership.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project).
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization.

D. Behavioral Skills-

• Proven ability to drive cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate and influence in a cross-functional, matrixed environment.
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset toward cost management and financial planning.
• Results-driven, with a continuous improvement mindset.

E. Desirable Aspects-

• Must be able to train others.

Travel-

International and/or Domestic travel required; Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally up to twenty percent (20%) or more of the time, as required

Annual salary

based on experience

Job location

Job location

North America, United States, Texas

City (-ies)

Gainesville

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 5 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes