Cost Optimization Manager

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka. 

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Bio: The Cost Optimization Manager plays a crucial role in implementing the cost optimization strategy within the organization. This position is instrumental in supporting the overall program, ensuring the execution of critical projects, translating ideas into execution, monitoring performance, and driving long term improvements to the program and processes. The Cost Optimization Manager assists in reporting to ensure cost optimization program performance.

• Conduct PDS reviews to improve skills and performance utilizing PDS as tool to conduct optimal performance discussions, articulate consistent skill evaluations, recommend actions and tactics, and measure progress. Support the widespread use of PDS within the finance organization. Promote and support Company culture within the finance organization.
• Responsible for supporting the management and execution of cost optimization projects. Owning the total cost optimization project workplan, priority list, workflows and ensuring adherence to the clearly defined ways of working and processes. Identify and mitigate risks to the execution of cost optimization projects. Develops comprehensive project plans, synthesizing project requirements and developing road map to achieve success.
• Work cross functionally with the Data Integrity team to ensure the Bill of Materials, FET, ingredient percentages and formulas are set up and remain accurate in System21.
• Provide analytical and project support to the Operations and Procurement teams on costs savings projects. Ensure cost saving efforts are executed correctly and on-schedule. Oversees reporting cost optimization SKUs to the Tax Team for customs valuations.
• Responsible for identification of process enhancements to streamline current processes through process enhancements, tools, systems or small scale automation initiatives. Identify, leverage and integrate technology to streamline processes, communication, and workflows. Utilize the Performance Development System and available resources to identify areas for continuous self-improvement. Regularly dedicate time to growing the skills outlined in the Development Plan. Develop standardized ways of working and methodologies for global cost optimization projects 
• Utilize Career Development System (CDS) to identify training needs and design development curriculum, programs and content for the purpose of preparing for career opportunities within the company. Provide feedback to manager regarding on-the-job learning opportunities.
• Assists in monitoring and reporting the results of strategic initiatives. Supports the annual financial planning process and translating the cost optimization initiatives into quantified financial impacts.
• Utilize PPT as a task/project management tool where and when appropriate. Use PPT to accelerate progress on projects, identify / keep in contact with team members and make sure all projects are up to date. Assist in the oversight of the compliance and governance model of the cost optimization process. Partners with other functional areas (procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, NBD, R&D, etc) to ensure adherence to the required ways of working and compliance objectives. Identify the need for and overseeing legal support as required.

MUST

• Demonstrate the ability to work as a team as well as self-directed
• Ability to quickly learn new systems/processes
• Detail Oriented
• Excellent oral & written communication skills
• Working knowledge of MS Office Products (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time
• Strong computer skills and high comfort using technology and systems
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, tax, engineering, or related field
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Working knowledge of PowerBI
• 2 years experience in a fast paced environment
• 5 years years of professional experience in operations, accounting, or related fields

Physical Requirements

• Strong communication skills

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