Manager - Cost & Material Planning (Footwear Industry)

Manager Cost&Material Planning for Footwear Industry.

The Cost Manager is responsible for measuring, analysing and reporting on production and operational costs to support pricing, budgeting and profitability decisions. This role is suitable for qualified or part qualified cost management accountants and finance professionals with cost accounting experience, strong analytical ability and effective communication skills to work with operations and finance teams.

The Cost & Material Manager will be responsible for analysing and tracking the cost of production and materials for footwear products.

Footwear Costing Manager Responsibilities:

1. Break down the cost of each shoe design by evaluating patterns and consumption piece by piece.

2. Evaluate a cost-down option

3. Negotiate pricing with suppliers to ensure competitive costs

4. Track production costs and compare them to budgeted costs

5. Develop and maintain cost models for footwear products

6. Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and purchasing team to identify cost savings opportunities

7. Prepare cost analysis reports for management review

8. Stay informed of industry trends and market conditions that may impact production costs

9. Assist in budgeting and forecasting processes for cost elements and production plans.

10. Develop and maintain costing policies, procedures B and internal control documentation.

11. Liaise with production, procurement and engineering teams to capture changes in cost structure.

12. Participate in internal and external audits, supplying cost schedules and evidence as required.

13. Prepare ad hoc cost analysis and scenario modelling to inform strategic decisions.

14. Develop and lead an audit process for the entire footwear sourcing base to determine whether the most important controls are operating as intended and to ensure CBD accuracy in accordance to predefined standards and negotiated components as outlined with the new costing approach.

15. Train and support Merchandising teams and T1s in the understanding and application of cost drivers.

16. Provide required data, and data analysis to senior management in order to facilitate price negotiations on final costs for finished shoes and components.

Requirements:

1. Degree in cost management, accounting, finance or a related discipline.

2. Professional accounting qualification ACMA, or part qualified status.

3. Minimum 5 years practical experience in cost accounting or manufacturing accounting.

4. Strong knowledge of standard costing, absorption costing and job costing principles.

5. Understanding of inventory valuation methods and stock reconciliation practices.

6. Competent with spreadsheet software and numerical analysis techniques.

7. Ability to interpret financial statements and integrate cost information into reports.

8. Strong analytical and problem solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail.

9. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams.

10. Organised and able to meet reporting deadlines in a month end environment.

11. Awareness of relevant accounting standards and internal control requirements.

12. Proactive approach to process improvement and documenting costing procedures.

13. Working experience in a leather shoe/footwear industry will be considered as an added qualification.