Objective of the position
The Head of Cost Excellence leads an initiative with the objective of delivering sustainable and structural cost reductions across all business areas. The role acts as a neutral, value-adding partner to the business functions and supports a company-wide culture of cost discipline and operational excellence while ensuring the delivery of measurable savings.
Responsibilities
- Identify, analyze and prioritize cost reduction opportunities across all relevant cost areas (e.g., indirect procurement, SG&A, footprint, social benefits, mobility models)
- Design structured OPEX initiatives and derive concrete measures in close collaboration with the respective functions
- Support and guide functions in implementation – while ensuring clear ownership remains within the business
- Identify and introduce innovative approaches to cost optimization (e.g., digital tools, shared services, new operating models, procurement, sourcing)
- Establish transparency on cost structures through KPIs, benchmarks and appropriate steering tools
- Act as a sparring partner to leaders to identify efficiency potentials and further develop existing structures
- Work closely with global functions and local entities to ensure sustainable results in a decentralized environment
- Foster a mindset where cost is actively managed as a strategic lever
- Preparation of decision proposals for initiatives for the Corporate Management
- Define and establish governance structures, target systems and steering processes for OPEX initiatives, as well as establishing tracking and reporting structure of implemented measures
- Responsibility for the compliance with and the implementation and fulfillment of the safety manual's requirements
- Responsibility for the compliance with and the implementation and fulfillment of the personnel handbook's requirements
- Responsibility for the compliance with and the implementation and fulfillment of the regulatory requirements
- Responsibility for the compliance with and the implementation and fulfillment of the requirements of the HSE Program in his/her own organizational unit and area of responsibility, in particular for the norms and regulations of environmental protection and occupational safety, as described in the HSE - Manual (IR-00146-DE – the latest manual version)
- Acts as a role model in accordance with Corporate Values and the Leadership Guidelines of the Ivoclar Group.
Requirements
Professional
- Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Business Informatics, or a comparable qualification
- Approximately 10+ years of experience in cost optimization, strategy, consulting, controlling, or procurement/strategic sourcing
- Proven track record in delivering OPEX or transformation programs within international organizations
- Experience working in complex, decentralized environments (e.g., subsidiaries, country organizations)
- Strong analytical capabilities, with expertise in cost analysis, benchmarking, and financial modeling
- Experience managing cross-functional initiatives and engaging senior-level stakeholders
- International exposure is preferred (Europe, Americas, APAC)
Personal
- Strong fact-based and solution-oriented approach, with a focus on impact
- Assertive, persuasive, and empathetic in working with diverse stakeholders
- Hands-on, with a pragmatic and results-driven mindset
- High resilience and ability to perform effectively in challenging situations
- Strong communication skills and ability to actively drive change
- High integrity and strong sense of accountability
- Curious, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement
