Costing Analyst II-FTW

Job Description Summary This role is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining labor and process cost standards using Footwear Industrial Engineering (FW IE) methodologies, process engineering standards, and lean manufacturing techniques. Based in Vietnam, the position will oversee Technical Costing functions for the CSC (Customer Service Center), supporting Product Development and the broader FW Costing Organization in line with seasonal calendar timelines. The analyst will work closely with the FW Costing team and regional costing engineers to ensure timely and accurate execution of projects and tasks. This role also involves proactively driving continuous improvement in process automation and supporting the Asia FW Costing Director in developing future manufacturing strategies. The position requires managing and implementing FW IE costing methodology in collaboration with CSC vendors and continuously improving the IE database to enhance usability and accuracy. Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities: Develop, manage, and maintain the Footwear Industrial Engineering (FW IE) database to improve labor cost predictability and identify inefficiencies in production processes. Use data analysis to identify cost improvement opportunities and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions. Serve as the subject matter expert in training Costing Analysts and Production Engineers and support the implementation of the FW IE system as needed. Maintain the Standard Allowed Minutes (SAMs) database and cost estimation tools to enhance labor cost predictability and ensure sustainable, competitive labor costing. Analyze regional labor costs and establish benchmarks, including overhead standards, to accurately interpret regional wage trends. Roll out labor costing standards with BPS, component vendors, and FGVs (Finished Goods Vendors) to promote fact-based, transparent, and sustainable labor costing practices. Lead seasonal labor cost validation for all FGVs in coordination with regional costing engineers and expand the process to other brand portfolios in the future. Develop, share, and maintain Technical Costing reports, such as Cost Analysis and KPIs, and communicate results at key development milestones. Create work instructions and SOPs for FW IE audit processes and collaborate with FW Costing to establish best-in-class manufacturing standards. Drive process efficiency in critical manufacturing areas and explore long-term process automation opportunities through collaboration with LOs (Liaison Offices) and external partners. Act as a Technical/Process consultant to the Asia Costing Director, LOs, and FGVs on labor cost and validation analysis. Promote manufacturing excellence through process improvement initiatives that impact product cost, efficiency, and overheads. Champion the implementation of Lean culture and manufacturing practices within the company and with external partners. Train internal staff on costing methodologies and tools. Secondary Functions: Support other costing initiatives aimed at improving cost predictability and competitiveness as required. Travel to LOs and factories for project follow-ups and training sessions. Participate in professional FW Costing training from the LO costing team to provide long-term backup support for the FW Costing team. Job Complexity: This role demands a high degree of concentration and attention to detail when performing costing and analytical tasks. Ensuring data consistency is essential. The position requires extensive workload planning and project management skills. The analyst must be creative in developing innovative ideas to reduce manufacturing time, save costs, and maintain product quality and safety. Strong organizational skills are necessary to manage critical project files effectively. This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in designing, sourcing, marketing, and distributing outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment. Our four primary brands — Columbia®, Mountain Hardwear®, SOREL® and prAna® — complement each other to address the diverse needs of active consumers and their products have gained an international reputation for their innovation, quality and performance. Learn more about our family of brands here.