Strategic Costing Analyst

Strategic Costing Analyst Location: Fort Wayne, IN Level: Salaried Division: Merchandising Reports to: Costing Manager About the role: The Strategic Costing Analyst supports enterprise costing strategies by maintaining accurate landed costs, validating logistics expenses, researching import-related costs, and auditing vendor and transportation programs. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Pricing, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Finance as a key analytical partner. Responsibilities include:

• Cost Analysis

• Calculate and validate landed cost components for direct import and third-party products.

• Maintain accurate costing models used to support pricing decisions.

• Analyze cost variances and identify root causes.

• Prepare recurring cost reporting, dashboards, and analysis to support business needs.

• Logistics Research:

• Research and validate cost inputs related to:

• Inbound freight

• Outbound freight

• Ocean transportation

• Domestic transportation

• Fuel surcharges

• Carrier discounts

• Vendor freight agreements

• Import Cost Management

• Review and monitor import-related expenses, including tariffs, duties, customs fees, brokerage expenses, port charges, and ocean freight.

• Assist in maintaining accurate landed cost models reflecting these variables.

• HTS Verification

• Review Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for accuracy.

• Conduct research to support product classification.

• Partner with customs and compliance teams to ensure product is identified and accurately categorized.

• Maintain documentation supporting classification decisions.

• Audit Activities

• Perform audits for:

• Direct import landed costs

• Third-party vendor costs

• Domestic collect programs

• Domestic prepaid programs

• Freight charge accuracy

• Document findings and recommend corrective actions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Economics, or related field.

• 2-5 years of analytical experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.

• Understanding logistics, transportation, import compliance, or pricing preferred.

• Ability to manage large datasets and identify trends.

Success Metrics:

• Costing accuracy

• Audit effectiveness

• Freight validation accuracy

• Timely completion of analyses

• Opportunity identification and savings generation

Benefits available to you:

• Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision

• Paid time off to foster work/life balance

• Profit sharing

• Bonus Pay opportunities

• Retirement funding opportunities

• Education reimbursement

• Health club reimbursement

• Career advancement opportunities

About Do it Best Group Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the Do it Best Group is the world's largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. Culture Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. Our Philosophy: Serving others as we would like to be served Our Mission: Making the best even better Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams