Manager, Costing Excellence

Manager, Costing Excellence, Fashion Sourcing

Location: Flexible India/Vietnam

Position Summary

The Manager, Costing Excellence for Walmarts Fashion Sourcing plays a crucial role in executing and implementing costing processes, conducting detailed cost analysis, and supporting cross-functional initiatives for Walmarts apparel categories. Reporting directly to the Director, Costing Excellence, you will work on transparent costing, should-cost models, negotiate with suppliers and collaborate with cross-functional partners, and help ensure cost targets are met while maintaining Walmarts high standards for quality and value.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement Costing Processes: Execute costing methods and procedures as defined by the Director, ensuring accurate and timely cost calculations for apparel products.
• Conduct Cost Analysis: Oversee day-to-day cost analyses, transparent and should-cost benchmarking, and reporting for assigned apparel categories, translating insights into actionable recommendations.
• Support Cross-Functional Teams: Work with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and cross-functional partners to provide costing data for product launches and margin improvement efforts.
• Maintain Costing Tools: Operate and update costing models, databases, and reporting tools, ensuring data integrity and consistency.
• Supply Cost Negotiation and Tracking: Assist in negotiating, tracking and reporting supplier costing performance, maintaining records of awarded costs and cost changes.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and recommend process enhancements in costing operations, contributing to efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Operational Support: Provide day-to-day support in cost negotiations and communications with vendors, as directed by the Director.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the costing team to share insights, support projects, and facilitate knowledge exchange.

Qualifications

• Masters or Bachelors degree in Business, Industrial Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Fashion Merchandising, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in costing, sourcing, supply chain, or financial management within apparel/fashion retail with additional experience of manufacturing operations.
• Hands-on experience with cost analysis, costing tools, and vendor communications
• Deep expertise in cost modeling, supplier negotiation, and strategic sourcing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in AI-driven costing, costing tools, and enterprise systems.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of global sourcing markets, supplier management, and fashion industry trends.
• Strategic orientation and ability to craft compelling narratives for business partners.
• Strong AI and technology orientation, with advanced digital analytical skills.
• Proven negotiation and communication skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Suite.

Project management and planning expertise