Program Cost Manager

Emerson Japan, Ltd.; Elyria (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson is seeking a senior Program Cost Manager within the Sourcing organization. This role leads should-cost and could-cost modeling to inform sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, and cost reduction initiatives across assigned product programs.

As the primary cost subject matter expert for direct material spend, you will support manufacturing facilities and enable fact-based sourcing decisions throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years in sourcing, cost engineering, manufacturing finance, or related roles within an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in should-cost methodology, clean-sheet costing, and supplier cost analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and ownership of should-cost and could-cost models for key commodities, suppliers, and product programs.
• Partner with Strategic Sourcing to support supplier negotiations, RFQs, and contracting activities through cost analysis and TCO assessments.
• Identify cost drivers and improvement opportunities across the supply base, supporting cost-out initiatives and margin expansion.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to validate process assumptions and design-for-cost opportunities.
• Provide cost impact analysis for total cost of ownership on sourcing decisions and engineering changes.
• Track and report cost performance versus targets, including variance analysis and recovery actions.
• Support make-versus-buy evaluations and supplier benchmarking.

Skills

Cost analysis

Should-cost modeling

Cost engineering

Data-driven insights

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Sourcing systems

Job description

The Program Cost Manager is a senior-level individual contributor within the Sourcing organization, responsible for leading should-cost and could-cost modeling to inform sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, and cost reduction initiatives across assigned product programs. This role serves as the primary cost subject matter expert for direct material spend to support manufacturing facilities enabling fact-based sourcing decisions and disciplined cost management throughout the product lifecycle.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

• Lead development and ownership of should-cost and could-cost models for key commodities, suppliers, and product programs, including material, labor, overhead, and process assumptions.
• Partner with Strategic Sourcing to support supplier negotiations, RFQs, and contracting activities through fact-based cost analysis and total cost of ownership assessments.
• Identify cost drivers and improvement opportunities across the supply base, supporting cost-out initiatives, productivity improvements, and margin expansion.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to validate process assumptions, manufacturing routings, and design-for-cost opportunities.
• Provide cost impact analysis for total cost of ownership on sourcing decisions, supplier changes, volume shifts, and engineering changes.
• Track and report cost performance versus targets, including variance analysis and recovery actions.
• Support make-versus-buy evaluations, supplier benchmarking, and clean-sheet costing exercises.
• Act as the sourcing cost authority for assigned programs, ensuring alignment between cost models, negotiated outcomes, and financial commitments.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of costing tools, methodologies, and sourcing analytics capabilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who you are:

You use financial analysis to generate, evaluate, and act on strategic options and opportunities. You push yourself and help others achieve results. You adjust communication content and style to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.

For This Role, You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in sourcing, cost engineering, manufacturing finance, or related roles within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in should-cost methodology, clean-sheet costing, and supplier cost analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and operations cost structures.
• Proven ability to influence sourcing outcomes and negotiations through data-driven insights.
• Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in system-based cost modeling; ERP and sourcing system experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex cost data into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Proven success in cross functional collaborative environments
• Periodic overnight travel of 10+% will be required
• Legal authorization to work in the United States - sponsorship will not be provided for this role.
  

Our Culture & Commitment to You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.

Learn more about our Culture & Values.

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