POSITION SUMMARY
The Software & Controls Cost Manager is responsible for establishing and driving a comprehensive cost management framework across Vertiv’s Software & Controls portfolio, including embedded systems, gateways, and platform-level solutions such as SCADA, EPMS, BMS, and DCIM.
This role owns the development of cost transparency across the full lifecycle, from design and development through deployment and long-term support ensuring that software and controls solutions are delivered in a cost-effective, scalable, and commercially competitive manner.
Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Product Management, Procurement, Operations, Finance, and regional teams, the role ensures that cost targets are defined early, tracked rigorously, and continuously optimized through architecture decisions, platform standardization, and reuse strategies.
The Software & Controls Cost Manager will play a key role in enabling Vertiv’s transition toward integrated digital platforms by aligning cost structures with business value, supporting pricing strategies, and improving margin performance across global product lines.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Cost Strategy & Governance
* Define and implement a standardized cost management framework for Software & Controls across all product lines and regions
* Establish cost targets aligned with business objectives, competitive benchmarks, and margin expectations
* Ensure cost accountability is embedded across Engineering, Product Management, and delivery teams
Cost Modelling & Transparency
* Develop and maintain detailed cost models covering software development, embedded controls, licensing, cloud infrastructure, integration, and lifecycle support
* Create clear visibility into total cost of ownership (TCO) for software and controls solutions
* Provide regular cost reporting, dashboards, and insights to leadership and key stakeholders
New Product Development (NPDI)
* Ensure cost targets are defined at concept and design phases for all new software and controls offerings
* Partner with Engineering and Product teams to evaluate design trade-offs and their cost implications
* Track and manage cost performance throughout the development lifecycle
Cost Optimization & Value Engineering
* Identify and drive cost reduction initiatives through Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE)
* Promote standardization, modular architectures, and platform reuse to reduce development and deployment costs
* Optimize licensing strategies (build vs buy, third-party vs internal) and infrastructure decisions (cloud vs on-premise)
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with Engineering, Product Management, Procurement, Operations, Finance, and IT teams to align on cost drivers and improvement actions
* Support procurement strategies related to software, platforms, and external technology partners
* Collaborate with regional teams to ensure global consistency with local cost optimization opportunities
Benchmarking & Competitive Analysis
* Benchmark internal cost structures against competitors and third-party solutions
* Evaluate alternative approaches (, commercial software platforms, open-source, SaaS models) to optimize cost and value
Commercial & Financial Support
* Support pricing strategies by providing accurate cost inputs and margin analysis
* Partner with Finance to align cost reporting with financial systems and forecasts
* Contribute to business cases, investment decisions, and ROI analysis for new initiatives
Data, Tools & Reporting
* Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools (, Power BI) to track cost performance and trends
* Improve data quality, consistency, and accessibility across systems
* Present findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
* Ensure Software & Controls offerings integrate effectively into regional partner and channel business models.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Job Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related discipline
Preferred Qualifications:
* Master’s degree (MBA or Finance-related discipline)
* Professional certification such as CIMA, ACCA, CPA, or CFA
Preferred Experience:
* Experience in software, digital platforms, or technology-driven products ( SaaS, SCADA, EPMS, BMS, DCIM)
* Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or critical infrastructure environments
* Experience supporting New Product Development (NPDI) or product lifecycle costing
* Experience in a global, matrixed organization
PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
* No special physical requirements
TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED
10%