Summary 

The Cost & Expense Optimization Director will lead financial and operational cost optimization initiatives across the organization, with a particular focus on the Retail Service Merchandising (RSM) segment. This role requires a blend of financial acumen, operational insight, and project leadership to drive sustainable cost reductions, improve profitability, and enhance service delivery. The ideal candidate will be adept at cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision making, and managing change initiatives that improve long-term efficiency. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Analyze operational and financial data to identify inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities across departments and field operations.Clearly define distribution objectives and develop scalable, field-ready processes to ensure alignment with merchandising and operational goals.Design, implement, and continuously improve routing strategies for merchandisers to optimize travel efficiency, service quality, and workload balancing.Identify appropriate servicing frequencies on a per-store basis to maximize productivity, customer satisfaction, and cost effectiveness.Identify and evaluate appropriate technologies, tools, and platforms to support the Retail Service Merchandising (RSM) team; recommend and support deployment of tools that drive efficiency and data transparency.Evaluate existing workflows, identify gaps or inefficiencies in work processes, and design new or revised procedures that close those gaps and drive sustainable improvements.Track key cost and performance metrics; establish benchmarks and monitor goals for expense and service optimization.Develop and maintain executive-level dashboards, reports, and forecasting models to inform decision-making and strategy.Lead the scheduling and planning processes for merchandising rollouts and initiatives across varied store formats and geographies.Support P&L development and review for new client rollouts and services in collaboration with Finance.Drive operational excellence through business transformation, change management, and process standardization.Ensure data accuracy, audit compliance, and alignment with internal controls and financial regulations.Lead or support special projects and ad hoc initiatives, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesStrong communication, storytelling, and data visualization skillsHigh proficiency in Microsoft 365, Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite)Project management and organizational skillsAbility to lead through influence and manage changeFamiliarity with AI tools and automation platforms is a plusStrategic mindset with strong attention to detailRetail and merchandising experience strongly preferred

Experience and Credentials 

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field; MBA preferred6+ years in financial analysis, operational management, and/or project management rolesDemonstrated success in cost optimization, business transformation, and change managementExperience in retail, grocery, or service industries is a plus

Workplace Expectations 

Up to 40% travel including in-store visitsAdherence to safety practices, company policies, and legal complianceFlexibility to support new responsibilities and high-priority projects