This role will be required to deliver measurable cost efficiencies and strengthen accountability across the Group to deliver real savings year on year even as we drive top line growth. The role is pivotal in embedding cost-saving initiatives into the Group's financial framework while supporting long-term profitable growth and operational excellence through:
• Working with the GCFO and GCEO to develop and execute a Group wide operational cost optimisation culture with defined cost optimisation and control strategies, Action plans, measurement and reporting.
• Periodic review of all entities operating costs, seeking to identify non-value adding costs that must be reduced/eliminated.
• Continuous redefining cost allocation strategy / methodology in line with the changing business needs of all entities within the Group.
• Remaining laser focussed on cost and efficiency to support all members of Exco, Group Leadership team and wider management to drive future growth and profitability of the business
SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead Cost Optimisation process to identify sustainable cost-saving opportunities and assess their financial impact.
• Drive cost control best practices across the Group while enhancing visibility and accountability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and entities within the Group to ensure cost efficiencies align with overall financial goals of the Group.
• Implement cost-saving strategies within the annual budgeting process of all entities within the Group and monitor their delivery.
• Build cost reporting tools that empower the Exco and leadership team to make informed decisions.
• Standardize cost tracking and reporting across business units and entities withing the Group for increased transparency.
• Provide data-driven insights into cost management, highlighting trends and optimization opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive dashboards and analytics to present an integrated view of cost management across the organization.
• Establish documentation standards for all cost-saving initiatives to ensure compliance and transparency.
• Assist in implementing an enterprise-wide system to streamline cost reporting and analytics.
• Redefine cost allocation strategy / methodology in line with the changing business needs
• Collaborate with various stakeholders on cost optimisation ideas and understand ongoing cost optimization initiatives to leverage synergies and drive efficiencies
• Work closely with the procurement team to align with strategic objectives, ensure cost synergies are identified early on and embedded to the end-to end process simplification
• Identify areas of cost optimization, process optimization, automation, etc which can bring in efficiency and improve earnings
• Interact with vendors, customers and internal teams to execute and drive actions required for cost optimization and penalty management.
• Provide deep and actionable insights into current cost base/structure supported by clear and accurate analytics and metrics. Helps line managers understand and act upon such metrics.
• Conceive, advocate and drive short, medium and long-term cost optimization initiatives by introducing rolling annual and medium term 3-year or 5-year programs
• Coordinate and proactively monitor all cost optimization projects by utilizing easy-to-understand, actionable, reports and dashboards.
• Continuously identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve productivity/efficiency, and advocate the same to relevant stakeholders.
• Foster a continuous improvement and cost avoidance culture across the group.
• Analyse expenses and cost transactions; ensuring that transactions are recorded accurately and assigned to the appropriate projects and departments.
Provide detailed financial analysis and reports of expenses, includes breakdowns of project costs, forecasts of remaining expenses, and opportunities to increase efficiency.
• Identify meaningful external benchmarks to inform optimisation goals and shape future business model.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
Required Education
• First Degree preferably in the fields of Accounting, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science or Mathematics.
• Professional qualifications such as ICAN, ACCA or CFA are a plus advanced finance competency and numeracy are expected. Mastery of software applications such MS Excel, PowerPoint, etc. is essential. Some familiarity with ERPs would be a plus
• MBA or a Master’s in related discipline is an added advantage
Required Experience
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a major manufacturing player or a top-notch management consultancy firm.
• Sound knowledge of the use of ERPs (SAP, Oracle etc)
COMPETENCIES PROFILE
Technical Competencies Generic
Competencies
Budgeting and Budgetary Controls
Accountability
Financial Planning and Analysis
Business Knowledge
Experience in understanding
P&L and measures
required to drive cost for achieving profits
Communication
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think laterally to arrive at a solution
Continuous Development
Pro-active self-starter, able to multi-task and prioritise under pressure
Detail Orientation
Must have an eye for detail and analyse/relate to the business problem in hand Innovation
Good analytical, judgment and decision-making ability along with critical thinking skills
Leadership and People Management
Excellent written, oral and presentation skills
Teamwork
Stakeholder Engagement Professionalism