Manufacturing Cost Analyst & Estimator

Job Title: Manufacturing Cost Analyst & Estimator
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Job Location: 145 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON
Work Model: Hybrid

Job Status: Existing Vacancy

Position Summary
As a Manufacturing Cost Analyst & Estimator in our Finance department, you will support operational decision-making by analyzing production costs and preparing accurate cost estimates for new and existing products. This role ensures cost efficiency and plays a key role in budgeting, forecasting and continuous improvement initiatives.

Customer, Product & Risk Ownership

• Interpret and translate complex customer requirements into detailed costing strategies, ensuring alignment with technical feasibility, production capabilities, and contractual commitments.
• Conduct comparative analysis against historical products and cost models, identifying anomalies, cost drivers, and financial risks, and proactively recommending mitigation strategies.
• Act as a subject matter expert on product costing, advising stakeholders on pricing assumptions, manufacturability, and financial trade-offs.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence

• Lead collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to develop end-to-end cost models for new and existing products.
• Influence decision-making by challenging assumptions, validating inputs, and ensuring cost accuracy across multiple stakeholders.
• Partner with Purchasing to evaluate supplier pricing, global sourcing impacts, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Present cost estimates, risks, and recommendations to Finance and leadership, supporting pricing strategy and margin targets.

Advanced Costing, Modelling & Financial Insight

• Develop and maintain complex cost models incorporating labour, materials, overhead, yield, and production variables.
• Analyze variances between estimated and actual costs, identify root causes, and implement continuous improvement actions to enhance forecasting accuracy.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis by providing detailed cost insights tied to operational performance.
• Contribute to process improvement and cost-reduction initiatives, identifying efficiencies across manufacturing workflows.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Contribution

• Drive improvements in estimating methodologies, tools, and data integrity to increase accuracy and scalability.
• Support strategic initiatives such as new product introductions, process changes, and capital investments by providing cost and financial analysis.
• Establish and document best practices, contributing to standardization across the estimating function.

Education and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong expertise in:
  • Cost accounting within a manufacturing or fabrication environment
  • Advanced cost estimating and financial modelling
  • Budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
  • Interpreting operational data into financial insights

Technical & Systems Skills

• Advanced Excel skills (complex modelling, scenario analysis, large datasets)
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., MS Dynamics or equivalent)
• Exposure to cost modelling in regulated, high-security, or precision manufacturing environments (e.g., secure printing) is a strong asset

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in cost estimating, manufacturing finance, or cost analysis
• Demonstrated experience supporting cross-functional decision-making and influencing stakeholders

Soft Skills

• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision in ambiguous or complex scenarios
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance financial, operational, and technical considerations
• Proven ability to identify risks, challenge assumptions, and influence outcomes
• High attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset

Mandatory Requirements

• Security clearance: Must be able to obtain (in a timely manner) and maintain Government of Canada Secret (Level II) personal security clearance

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our organization is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace. We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQ2+ individuals.

We are dedicated to removing barriers and fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects society and we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please contact us at [email protected] so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

AI Use in Recruitment Statement

As part of our commitment to transparency and fairness in hiring, we disclose that artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used at certain stages of our recruitment process. These tools assist in tasks such as resume screening, candidate matching, and interview scheduling. All AI-assisted decisions are subject to human oversight to ensure fairness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable laws.

We are committed to the responsible, transparent, and accountable use of AI, in alignment with Ontario’s Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Directive and the requirements under the Working for Workers Four Act. This includes taking steps to mitigate bias, protect candidate privacy, and ensure that AI does not unfairly influence hiring outcomes.

If you have questions or concerns about how AI is used in our hiring process, please contact us at [email protected] .