Cost Down Program Manager

SPAN • San Francisco, CA

4d • $125,000 - $165,000 • Onsite

About The Position

SPAN is enabling electrification for all by designing, building, and deploying products that electrify the built environment, reduce carbon emissions, and slow the effects of climate change. The Product Cost Program Manager will serve as the essential strategic link between Global Supply Management and Finance operations. This role is responsible for translating supply chain strategies and key cost-saving initiatives into concrete, measured, and reported financial outcomes, ensuring the financial integrity and efficient execution of all major supply chain and manufacturing cost programs. The position will also lead SPAN’s “should costing” platform, a data-intensive, algorithm-driven application used to estimate product costs based on materials, manufacturing processes, and market dynamics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related field; advanced degrees or certifications in supply chain or cost management are a plus. Master's degree considered a plus.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in financial analysis or program management within a manufacturing or technology environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, charts, formulas) and PowerPoint (executive presentations).
• Proven ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or product development is advantageous.
• Ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment and tackle complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience with SQL and Tableau for business metrics reporting.
• Must have experience leading a value engineering, cost savings, or VAVE organization.
• Must have management experience of a team of engineers.
• Strong technical skills, involving problem solving, DFM, and should-cost/could-cost. Proven ability to interpret detailed drawings and execute tolerance stack-ups for assemblies.
• Strong analytical skills, able to understand and shape the logic behind complex cost models and algorithms.
• Familiarity with product structures, BOMs, sourcing processes, or manufacturing workflows.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and stakeholders from all internal departments.
• A bias for action, comfortable driving clarity in ambiguity, and product outcomes.
• Experience with cost estimation tools, ERP systems, or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degrees or certifications in supply chain or cost management are a plus.
• Master's degree considered a plus.
• Experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or product development is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Govern NPI Financial Integrity: Coordinate the NPI financial program life cycle, ensuring the accurate integration of Global Supply Management's (GSM) market data and sourcing strategies into the Cost Analyst's financial models and final product pricing.
• Establish Executive Reporting Cadence: Serve as the single point of contact for synthesizing and communicating the financial performance of supply chain initiatives, preparing clear, actionable, and data-backed reports (e.g., COGS variance, savings realization) for senior leadership.
• Mitigate Financial & Supply Chain Risk: Oversee the strategic alignment between commodity market analysis and financial forecasting, proactively identifying program risks (e.g., market volatility, geopolitical impact) and partnering with teams to develop and execute mitigation plans.
• Lead cost engineering initiatives across product lines, developing and maintaining financial models that support pricing, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Prepare executive-level reports and presentations using Excel/Sheets and PowerPoint/Slides to communicate cost insights, trends, and recommendations.
• Support program management activities, including milestone tracking, risk assessment, and cost-performance monitoring across custom mechanical components and manufacturing projects.
• Post-Ramp Qualification - leads the qualification of new components, modules, and processes by collaborating closely with engineering to establish timelines, benchmarks, and requirements for qualifying changes to shipping products.
• Drive Cost Optimization - Lead initiatives to close identified savings gaps, set goals for short, medium, and long-term savings focusing on COGS, COQ, DFx, and product cost for new and sustaining products. Own cost savings strategic thrusts.
• Cross-Functional Leadership - Collaborate with executive sponsors and engineers across Design, Manufacturing, and Supplier Engineering. Chair and participate in product cost reduction committees and review boards to ensure alignment and progress.
• Project and KPI Ownership - Set and track clear goals, KPIs, and deliverables for product cost reduction workstreams. Quantify cost savings, quality impacts, and process adoption metrics. Ensure timely and effective execution of product cost reduction projects to deliver results.
• Strategic Influence - Shape the purpose, intent, and approach of product cost reduction within the organization. Remove roadblocks, align cross-functional teams, and drive adoption of product cost reduction as a core organizational habit.
• Coordinate with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) team in planning and executing builds.
• Influence Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams on key decisions and drive cross-functional teams for the timely execution of projects.
• Lead all communications, upward and downward through the organization, raising key issues and presenting options for resolution with executive teams.
• In conjunction with cross-functional teams (e.g., design, PMO, strategic supply chain), create technology roadmaps for manufacturing processes, DFx tools, cost modeling, etc.
• Own the product vision and roadmap for the “Should Costing” platform.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and prioritize product requirements related to: Cost modeling, BOM (Bill of Materials), Material cost trends, Manufacturing processes, and logistics.
• Stay current on market trends in raw materials, global supply chains, and cost estimation methodologies.
• Drive Cost Realization Programs: Lead and govern all cross-functional programs for cost-efficiency, new product introduction (NPI), financial modeling, and risk mitigation, ensuring a direct and traceable link between sourcing strategy and final COGS reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation + equity grants at a well-funded, venture-backed company
• Comprehensive benefits: 100% employee premiums for base plans on medical, dental, and vision, with options for additional coverage.
• Parental leave up to twenty-four (24) weeks, depending on eligibility
• Comfortable, sunny office space located near BART and Caltrain public transit
• Strong focus on team building and company culture: Employee Resource Groups, monthly social events, SPANcakes recognition breakfast, lunch, and learns
• Flexible hours, one holiday per month, and flexible time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager