Altra: Footwear Costing Analyst

The Cost Engineer works as part of the product creation team to support the costing function throughout the development process. The primary focus of this role is to achieve overall margin goals for the brand through analytics, communication, and problem solving. Central to the costing process is a cross-functional series of margin reviews that are tied to key milestones in the calendar. The success of this role is tied directly to organization, interdepartmental collaboration, and the ability to work well with VF's Sourcing offices in Asia

This person will be an integral part of the product team, and help ensure we hit our margins while driving premium product for our consumer. This role will need to be strategic as well as granular in the day to day. This individual will need to be comfortable being proactive, asking questions and working cross functionally. They will help us take our product to the next level by working with our sourcing teams and internal team to help solve problems and ensure the team is aligned on actions that are needed.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. 

• Set TFOBs by upper and tooling for each model every season

  • Provide detailed target FOB ranges and estimated costs on seasonal line to the product teams.

• Lead the tear down of each CBD at each milestone with the triad

  • Identify key cost drivers and work to find alternate solutions with the team

  • Manage to key calendar dates to optimize overall costing timeline and calendar.

• Proto Reviews

  • Prepare costing and margin data prior to key milestone product reviews

  • Offer the triad a recap of cost savings and cost drivers, as well as next steps for margin improvement, if needed. 

• Margin Review/Gate Preparation

  • Gather and review cost breakdown sheets (CBDs) at multiple stages.  Audit component costs.

  • Prepare costing files.

  • Identify margin challenged styles. Work with team on solutions to improve margins.

  • Support costing commentary for the Gate presentation.

• Cost Finalization

  • Support final cost review and approval. Build and upload files for costs to be loaded into SAP/PIR.

• Seasonal Maintenance and Preparation

  • Build out costing tools and season over season references.

  • Maintain organized file records in collaboration with the Sourcing and Development teams.

• Partner with the product team, Sourcing offices, Materials and Operations on initial costing inputs.

• Collaborate with the Design and Merchandising teams throughout the product creation cycle to identify early margin challenges-ideally at tech pack handoff.

• Support the product teams in product reviews; understand cost drivers; and find cost saving options as needed.

• Work with the Finance team to prepare Gate costing commentary and financial target analysis.

What do you need to succeed? 

• Footwear background required.

• Ideal candidate will have working knowledge of product creation and related timelines

• Competency in Microsoft Office applications with exceptional Excel skills

• Effective written, visual, and oral communications

• Exceptional organization with high attention to detail and accuracy

• Analytical skills to build and identify trends in cost and forecast data

• Strong skills in data management

• Ability to work well cross functionally

• Respect and urgency around deadlines and calendars

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

Hiring Range:

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.