Cost Manager

Vesuvius is a global leader in molten metal flow engineering and technology, primarily serving the global steel and foundry industries.  We develop innovative solutions that enable our customers to increase their efficiency and productivity, enhance quality, improve safety and reduce their costs and their environmental impact.  Our history spans more than 100 years, we are on six continents with more than 11,000 employees.  We value diversity. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.  We aim to deliver sustainable, profitable growth to provide our shareholders with a superior return on their investment, while providing our employees with a safe workplace where they are recognized, developed and properly rewarded.

This is a hybrid role with base in Charlotte, NC - Often travel will be expected.

Purpose:

Responsible for leading the regional team of margin and cost analysts and providing front line support to the regional commercial team. Accountable for the ongoing development, analysis and processing of product costing, margin analysis, and team development. Developing strategies to maximize profitability, analyzing cost structures, pricing strategies, and ensuring that margin targets are met. The position requires close collaboration with various departments, including finance, sales, and operations, to drive financial performance and support strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for developing the standards, analysis process and team development for the regional margin and cost analysts and ensuring its implementation in line with Regional Vice Presidents requirements.
2. Develop a deep understanding of the contribution margins, gross margins and cash costs – including logistics costs – for all product lines. Analyze cost structures and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
3. Oversee the preparation and analysis of detailed margin reports. Provide analysis and explanations as necessary to support the FP&A analysis for the region.
4. Manage the timeliness and accuracy of reporting by the margin and cost analysts.
5. Reviewing and analyzing variances across plants, products, and the region whether that be in customer margin delivery, production process, material usage, scrap or for general commercial support.
6. Monitor inventory cycle count program and conduct periodic cycle count audits.
7. Responsible for establishing improved processes for margin analysis, inventory and cost operation.
8. Participate in internal and external audits.
9. Collaborate with senior management to develop margin targets and financial forecasts.
10. Monitor and analyze product and service margins, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
11. Develop and evaluate pricing strategies to maximize profitability.
12. Conduct competitive analysis to ensure pricing remains competitive yet profitable.
13. Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to margins.
14. Implement corrective actions to address margin shortfalls.
15. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of analysts and other finance professionals.
16. Set performance goals and conduct regular performance reviews.
17. Ensure the team has the necessary tools and resources to perform effectively.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years education experience with strong knowledge of COGS, margin analysis and costing.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within a finance department.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Commercial application of accounting standards (e.g. US GAAP).
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team/
• Proven written and verbal communication skills and time management skills.
• Detailed orientated.
• Strong computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office especially Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• JD Edwards experience preferred
• MBA or other advanced degree.
• Supporting decisions and influencing business counterparts.
• Experience in manufacturing or similar industry preferred.
• Qualified accountant is a plus

The Cost Manager reports to the Finance Director AR Nafta. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, education and location.