Director, Cost Engineering
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MGA Entertainment is on a mission to inspire imagination and creativity through innovative toys, entertainment, and experiences that transform play into limitless possibilities. As the largest privately held toy and entertainment company in the U.S., MGA is a global leader in designing and delivering world-class consumer products that spark wonder and drive play forward. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices worldwide, MGA’s portfolio spans a dynamic range of original and licensed brands — from toys, dolls, games, and electronics to fashion, home décor, and entertainment content including hit movies and TV series. The company is recognized for its bold approach to storytelling, trendsetting design, and deep commitment to quality. The award-winning MGA family includes fan-favorite brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, MGA’s Miniverse™, Yummiland™, CarTuned™, Wonder Factory™, BABY born®, and Zapf Creation®. To learn more, visit www.mgae.com and follow MGA on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Role Purpose
The Director, Cost Engineering (US) will lead all cost engineering activities for MGA’s US-based product portfolio, owning cost accuracy, value engineering, and cost optimization across toy development.
This role assumes full responsibility for US cost engineering execution, ensuring product cost targets are achieved while maintaining quality, functionality, and speed to market. The Director will also play a key role in shaping vendor strategy—supporting onboarding, development, and performance improvement of manufacturing partners to drive sustainable cost advantages.
In addition, the role will lead cost engineering for priority and non-standard initiatives, ensuring new categories and innovation-driven projects are built on strong cost foundations.
Key Responsibilities
US Cost Engineering Ownership
- Lead all cost engineering activities for US-based product development across brands and categories.
- Own cost models, BOM validation, and cost tracking from concept through production.
- Ensure alignment between cost targets, product design, and commercial objectives.
Value Engineering & Cost Optimization
- Identify and drive cost-saving opportunities across design, materials, packaging, and manufacturing.
- Partner with Product Development and Design teams to embed cost discipline early in the development lifecycle.
- Balance cost reduction with quality, functionality, and brand standards.
Vendor Strategy & Development
- Support vendor strategy across the US portfolio, including onboarding and development of new manufacturing partners.
- Partner with Sourcing and Supply Chain to evaluate vendor capabilities, cost structures, and scalability.
- Drive vendor performance improvement initiatives to unlock cost efficiencies and operational reliability.
- Contribute to long-term supplier strategies that enhance flexibility, resilience, and cost competitiveness.
Cross-Functional Integration
- Work closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Packaging, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
- Ensure cost assumptions are accurate, transparent, and aligned across functions.
- Support decision-making through clear cost analysis, scenario modeling, and trade-off evaluations.
Special Projects & Innovation Support
- Lead cost engineering for priority and non-standard initiatives (e.g., Bratz Beauty and new category expansions).
- Develop cost frameworks for new product types, materials, and manufacturing approaches.
- Support rapid development cycles while maintaining cost rigor and visibility.
Process Discipline & Reporting
- Standardize cost engineering methodologies, tools, and reporting across US teams.
- Track cost targets, variances, and savings initiatives with clear visibility for leadership.
- Provide regular reporting and insights on cost performance, risks, and opportunities.
Experience & Qualifications
- 10–15 years of experience in cost engineering, product costing, or value engineering within consumer products or toys.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost drivers in toy production.
- Proven experience building and validating cost models (BOMs, tooling, packaging, labor, etc.)
- Experience working closely with vendors and manufacturing partners.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple product pipelines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with global manufacturing and supplier ecosystems.
- Background across multiple product categories (hardlines, softlines, electronics, etc.).
- Experience supporting new product categories or innovation-driven initiatives.
- Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems and cost tracking tools.
Leadership Profile
- Operator: Drives execution with precision, ownership, and accountability.
- Partner: Influences Product, Sourcing, and Supply Chain to achieve cost targets.
- Builder: Establishes scalable cost engineering processes and vendor capabilities.
- Problem Solver: Identifies practical solutions to complex cost challenges.
- Driver: Pushes cost discipline and performance across teams and suppliers.
Success Metrics
- US product portfolio consistently meets or improves cost targets.
- Measurable cost savings driven through value engineering and vendor initiatives.
- Strong pipeline of capable, cost-competitive vendors supporting product development.
- Improved accuracy and transparency of cost models across development stages.
- Successful delivery of cost engineering for special projects and new categories.
- Increased consistency and scalability of cost engineering processes across teams.