Senior Manager - Product Cost Standards & Planning
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled product cost managers has surged, with a 25% increase in jobs posted over the last year. As companies navigate complex supply chains and tariff impacts, having a keen eye on product costs is crucial. RTX, a leader in aerospace and defense, is seeking a senior manager to drive product cost standards and planning, leveraging strong operational and stakeholder management skills. With the remote job market booming, this role offers a unique chance to work with a top-tier company, managing critical day-to-day tactical activities and ensuring seamless cross-functional coordination. Candidates should be prepared to travel up to 20% of the time and have a strong understanding of product cost management principles.
Job Description
About the Role
The Senior Manager - Product Cost Standards & Planning role at RTX is a critical position that requires a unique blend of operational excellence, stakeholder management, and technical expertise. As the backbone of the Product Cost Management function, this role drives critical day-to-day tactical activities, ensuring seamless cross-functional coordination between Operations Finance and Supply Chain teams. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of product cost management principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to travel up to 20% of the time.The role matters because it bridges the gap between Operations Finance and Supply Chain, maintaining alignment on product cost standards and performance. The team context is fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving business results through cost management. The reporting structure is not specified, but the senior manager will work closely with Finance and Supply Chain leadership to resolve cost-related discrepancies and conflicting priorities.
In this role, the senior manager will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's bottom line, driving cost savings and process improvements. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, RTX is a leader in the aerospace and defense industry, and this role is a chance to be part of a talented team.
What You Will Do
- Serve as the primary liaison between Operations Finance and Supply Chain teams, ensuring alignment on in-year Purchase Price Variance (PPV) management and annual Standards Roll activities
- Facilitate regular communication and collaborative problem-solving between Finance and Supply Chain leadership to resolve cost-related discrepancies and conflicting priorities
- Develop and maintain shared cost performance dashboards and reporting that serve both Finance and Supply Chain stakeholder needs
- Drive alignment on quarterly and annual cost standard updates, ensuring consistency and accuracy across programs and commodities
- Own the day-to-day management and continuous improvement of the product cost standards setting process
- Establish and maintain governance frameworks, timelines, and quality control mechanisms for annual standards roll activities
- Identify process inefficiencies and bottlenecks; develop and implement improvements to enhance speed, accuracy, and stakeholder engagement
- Lead or co-lead the annual Long Range Plan (LRP) Product Cost process, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts and cost projections
- Support the development of cost forecasts that account for market trends, supplier dynamics, and internal cost drivers
- Interface between Finance and Supply Chain to identify and surface leading indicators of product cost risk and opportunity
- Monitor supplier performance, market conditions, and commodity cost trends to anticipate cost pressures
- Develop early warning metrics and dashboards that enable proactive cost management
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in product cost management, finance, or supply chain
- Strong understanding of product cost management principles and practices
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (domestic and international)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience with Adjust and Excel
- U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., finance, supply chain, engineering)
Nice to Have
- Experience with cost forecasting and budgeting
- Knowledge of tariff and raw material economics
- Experience with cost risk and opportunity identification
- Certification in a related field (e.g., CPA, CMA)
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leader in the aerospace and defense industry
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs
- Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
How to Stand Out
- To stand out in this role, highlight your experience with product cost management principles and practices, as well as your ability to work with cross-functional teams.
- Be prepared to travel up to 20% of the time, and have a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills, and be prepared to provide examples of how you've driven cost savings and process improvements in previous roles.
- Familiarize yourself with Adjust and Excel, and be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools.
- Research RTX and the aerospace and defense industry, and be prepared to discuss your understanding of the company and its products.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with cost forecasting and budgeting, as well as your knowledge of tariff and raw material economics.
- Consider obtaining a certification in a related field, such as a CPA or CMA, to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
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