Cost Manager

Location: Portage, IN
Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
Salary: $95,000 – $105,000

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Cost Manager to take ownership of cost analysis, variance reporting, and financial performance across the operation. The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years of progressive cost accounting or cost management experience , strong analytical abilities, and significant exposure to manufacturing/operational costs.

This is a highly collaborative role that will work closely with Operations and leadership to identify issues, explain financial performance, and develop solutions that improve margins and overall profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cost analysis and reporting, providing visibility into margins, profitability, and operational performance .
• Prepare and analyze variance reports, aging reports, and budget-to-actual results , identifying trends and areas requiring attention.
• Investigate cost variances and work directly with Operations to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Partner closely with Operations, Finance, and leadership to improve cost controls, forecasting, and overall financial performance.
• Monitor inventory, labor, material, overhead, and other operational costs to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, strengthen margins, and increase operational efficiency.
• Support month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and other strategic financial initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of cost accounting, cost management, or financial analysis experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with costs, margins, variance analysis, and operational financial reporting .
• Experience preparing and interpreting variance and aging reports .
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with Operations and non-financial leaders .
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with large amounts of financial data.
• Ability to work independently while effectively partnering with cross-functional teams.
• Manufacturing or other operationally driven industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong Excel and ERP experience preferred.