Program Manager, Variable Cost Productivity

KION Group•Atlanta, GA

1d•$109,600 - $137,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Dematic is seeking a highly motivated Program Manager, Cost Engineering (CE) to lead and drive cost optimization initiatives for our Modular Conveyor Systems (MCS) product portfolio. This role is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing strategic cost reduction programs that deliver sustainable year-over-year productivity improvements and financial savings across one of Dematic's most visible customer segments. The Program Manager will serve as a key leader in identifying, prioritizing, and advancing Cost Engineering opportunities while building a robust pipeline of future savings initiatives to support 2026 and beyond. This position requires strong cross-functional collaboration, global stakeholder alignment, disciplined project execution, and executive-level communication.

Requirements

Proven ability to partner across organizations and foster collaboration to achieve shared business objectives.
Energetic, self-directed professional who takes initiative and drives outcomes.
Thrives in fast-paced environments with evolving priorities, effectively operating in situations with limited structure or guidance.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools and related productivity applications.
Proficient in dashboard development, data visualization, and performance analytics to support decision-making.
Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in project management, value engineering, cost optimization, or related business functions.
Proven experience leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams across domestic and international organizations to achieve business objectives.
Demonstrated success in developing, presenting, and securing approval for business cases that support project investment and execution decisions.
Working knowledge of Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) methodologies, including planning, facilitating, and driving follow-up actions from ideation workshops.
Experience monitoring project performance, managing risks, and tracking savings realization to ensure targeted business outcomes and financial objectives are achieved.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar field is desired, however, equivalent experience may be substituted.
PMP certification or equivalent experience in project management
Must be able to work cross-regionally and travel up to 20% as needed.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of Cost Engineering programs to achieve annual cost reduction and productivity targets.
Deliver sustainable year-over-year cost savings and operational improvements across the Modular Conveyor Systems portfolio.
Create, maintain, and own the Variable Cost Productivity (VCP) scorecard for MCS, including regular updates and presentations to executive leadership.
Build, manage, and continuously expand the Cost Engineering project pipeline to support future savings objectives.
Coordinate and drive cross-functional teams to successfully execute prioritized cost reduction projects.
Establish, improve, and enforce governance processes related to project identification, execution, savings validation, and reporting.
Facilitate brainstorming workshops and ideation sessions to identify new value engineering and cost optimization opportunities.
Collaborate globally with Sales, Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to identify and implement cost reduction and market-driven initiatives.
Partner closely with Engineering and Product Management to develop strategies that reduce component and piece-part costs while maintaining product performance and quality.
Develop business cases, financial analyses, and ROI evaluations to support strategic investment and project prioritization decisions.
Monitor project performance, risks, and savings realization to ensure business objectives are achieved.