Cost Program Manager

First Solar (US)•Gaffney, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for driving and executing a cost roadmap cross-functionally, utilizing manufacturing knowledge to identify cost reduction opportunities and achieve site cost per watt targets. The Cost Program Manager will serve as the point of contact for cost impact and reporting for new process integration (NPI), manage cost projects, and champion the manufacturing AOP budget detail roll-up for the finance team. The position reports to the Head of Site Integration and will have direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administrator or management discipline (MBA or Master of Engineering a plus).
7 – 10 years of experience in production operations, engineering, supply chain, planning, or finance.
Must have good understanding of cost modeling and analysis.
Proven track record of successful cost reduction project implementation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Is able to interact with and influence people at all levels inside the department, across groups, and externally to the company.
Demonstrates ability to identify problems, develop and implement solutions, work independently and in collaboration with others, and build support for new initiatives and systems.
Is able to influence and make recommendations for improvement in both technical and management subjects.
Possesses a strong knowledge of High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM) Processes, Inventory Management, and MRP Principles.
Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Is a strategic thinker who can manage long and short-term projects.
Is able to discern and meet needs of internal and external customers.
Is able to build and maintain a high-performance, scalable team.
Possesses a broad range of advanced computer skills—Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, statistics applications, reporting – SAS/Tableau/Power BI, and ERP (SAP and/or Kinaxis Rapid Response a plus).
Has a strong capability to take on a larger role in the future.
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
Is capable of formal and informal discussions and presentations at all levels of the business – internal and external.

Nice To Haves

MBA or Master of Engineering a plus.
Experience in accounting/finance, cost accounting, inventory management, or forecasting methodologies preferred.
SAP and/or Kinaxis Rapid Response a plus.

Responsibilities

Sets clear direction for leadership to drive and execute cost roadmap cross-functionally.
Uses knowledge of manufacturing to identify gaps and opportunities for cost reduction that enables achieving or exceeding the site cost per watt target.
Acts as source of truth for cost impact and reporting for new process integration (NPI) and manages the delivery of cost projects from cross functional groups.
Champions manufacturing AOP budget detail roll-up for finance team.
Analyzes plant cost structure (variable and fixed cost model) and identifies gaps and improvement opportunities for cost reduction. Takes strategy and converts into actionable deliverables to meet the site CpW target.
Leads cost forum or focus team to establish and control the cost operating system.
Owns and drives the plant cost metrics to ensure that all functional groups are spending within the budget and highlights any variances.
Plans and designs overall plant cost programs and proactively monitors its progress, resolves issues, and initiates appropriate corrective actions.
Communicates and builds positive working relationships with cross functional teams to achieve the plant operation objectives.
Establishes good working relationships with global cost leads, operations, MIS, Supply Chain, and Finance associates to monitor and control operation expenses (CpW impact).
Acts a key coordinator for functional group members to roll up AOP budget planning. Works with stakeholders and revises cost strategies to meet the monthly affordable cost targets.
Other duties as assigned.