Manager, Cost and Operations Excellence

The role is responsible for driving financial transparency, performance managing operational and cost KPIs through a “One set of numbers” approach, establishing a clear link between financial data and operational performance working closely with the P2P Cost Control team and Business Administration (Finance).
The successful incumbent must pair financial expertise with operational acumen to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and challenge the status quo. The position also acts as the right hand to the Director of Operations for Area MIN, playing a pivotal role in providing leadership with data-driven recommendations for impactful decision-making in your Area and will act as change agent in the Area cementing the regionally designed performance management framework based on the four disciplines of Execution (4DX) and the Daily Operating System (DOS).
The position reports directly to the Regional Director of Cost Control and Operational Steering, working closely with regional OPSS and P2P Cost Control teams, Area Management and Operations, Finance and QSC colleagues to ensure that Area performance is effectively planned, monitored, and continuously improved. You will also act as the lead/senior OPSS business partner across the Area OPSS community with respect to Functional Change Management, Performance Management and Cost Control strategy

1. Performance Management & Insights 

• Facilitate a daily operating system (DOS) and performance management framework in the operations teams of Area India (MIN) 
• Translate business targets into operational KPIs per country/cluster. 
• Calculate and analyze performance gaps against Budget, Plan, and Savings targets; provide recommendations on corrective actions with stakeholders through data-driven performance management cycles. 
• Collect, analyze ands provide insights on Area-specific operational data to support Area and Regional dashboards and scorecards. 
• Impact decision making by providing forward looking, data driven analytics with actionable recommendations 
• Objectively challenge the performance and decisions of operational teams to drive accountability and continuous improvement. Pro-actively answer questions that have not yet been asked 
• Forecast key P&L elements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis for the Area. 

2. Cost Analytics, Control & Optimization 

• Own the narrative behind cost trends by maintaining a deep understanding of cost and volume drivers within operations. 
• Conduct independent, balanced analysis to identify opportunities for profitability, cost efficiencies, and challenge cost escalations. 
• Drive and track cost-saving initiatives while applying tools and frameworks that ensure high-impact, data-informed decision-making. 
• Prevent sub-optimization by evaluating relevant, sunk, and total cost of ownership in operational choices. 
• Support cost modeling and forecasting for the Area, working closely with P2P Cost Control, QSC and Controlling teams. 
• Performance manage operational leading indicators influencing the cost as well as being the visible driving force of performance managing the unit cost in your Area 
• Collaborate on cost-saving initiatives, support accurate accruals, and ensure consistent cost categorization. 

3. Data Management & Reporting 

• Act as a data steward in your Area – validate, test, define and ensure data quality for unit cost and KPI reporting. 
• Collaborate with QSCs, P2P Cost Control and Regional OPSS to ensure a unified “one set of numbers” approach. 
• Contribute and maintain a standardized KPI repository and assist in linking performance reporting to the budget process. 
• Drive and share best practices to facilitate the continuous improvement mind set 
• Own the data management of TRACO updates and coordinate the deviations on unit cost with P2P Cost Control 

4. Planning & Budget Support 

• Provide input during forecasting and budgeting cycles, including challenge and validation of assumptions. 
• Support tracking of cost and operational performance against budget with relevant stakeholders. 
• Partner with Area leadership with scenario analysis and planning for strategic initiatives to ensure alignment on cost development, forecasting, and strategic priorities 

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Execution Support 

• Be the source of energy within the area of responsibility, driving for team engagement and continuous improvement 
• Act as a strategic thought partner in cost transformation, supporting the Director of Cost Control to shape smarter decision-making frameworks. 
• Contribute to the wider Finance community by sharing insights, best practices, and aligning with digital tools and reporting standards. 
• Liaise between Area, QSC, and Regional OPSS and P2P Cost Control to ensure clear implementation of priorities. 
• Engage with procurement and operations on savings plans and KPI alignment. 
• Participate in regional workshops, training, and best-practice sharing initiatives. 

• Masters/Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field. 
• 4-8 years of relevant experience in Finance Business Partnering, Planning, Financial Analysis, Cost Control, or Operational reporting. 
• Experience in driving performance management dialogues based on 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) is a pre-requisite. 

Technical & Analytical Skills 

• SAP proficient
• Advanced Excel proficiency; knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar tools is a strong plus. 
• Ability to interpret large data sets, identify trends, and develop actionable insights. 

Key Competencies: 

• Outgoing, extrovert approach to understanding underlying business drivers for financial performance 
• Strong analytical mindset with a hands-on, execution-driven approach. 
• Ability to influence without direct authority and get required results 

• Ability to synthesize data and derive actionable insights. Always applying a forward-looking perspective in discussions 

   

• Empathic and strong interpersonal skills 
• Comfortable communicating with cross-functional teams and aligning diverse stakeholders. 
• High levels of positive energy with a can-do attitude 
• Structured, self-driven, and able to manage multiple streams of work. 
• Passion for continuous improvement and process enhancement.