Sr Cost Engineer (Apparel)

About the role

The Senior Cost Engineer (Apparel) will lead profitability initiatives by identifying and optimizing manufacturing efficiencies across Columbia Sportswear’s apparel supply base. Using industrial engineering and lean methodology, the role establishes labor and costing standards to drive cost reductions while maintaining product quality.

Key responsibilities

• Analyze fabric consumption and marker efficiency to reduce waste and improve cost structures.
• Develop and maintain labor and costing standards using industrial engineering principles.
• Apply lean methodology to streamline production processes and enhance overall efficiency.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement cost‑saving measures and monitor performance.
• Provide detailed cost models and reports to support product development and pricing decisions.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, apparel/textile engineering, manufacturing engineering, supply chain management, or equivalent.
• 8‑10 years of relevant industry experience, including 5+ years in technical apparel costing, industrial or manufacturing engineering.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction and apparel manufacturing processes.

Required skills

• Apparel Cost Engineering
• Fabric Consumption Analysis
• Production Fabric Cutting
• Marker Efficiency Optimization
• Industrial Engineering
• Lean Methodology
• Apparel Costing
• Garment Construction
• Manufacturing Processes
• Fabric Utilization
• Process Engineering
• Analytical Skills