Head of Cost Optimization Building System (all genders)

Location: Berlin, Germany. Hybrid work with regular in-person collaboration in the office; usual business travel between sites is expected. Working from home is available, with up to 40 days per year from abroad.

Company

Technology-based construction company developing sustainable and affordable multi-story residential buildings through prefabricated timber systems, industrial offsite construction, and digitalized processes.

What you will do

• Define and lead the cost optimization strategy for building systems and the product portfolio.
• Co-develop design-to-cost, should-costing, value engineering, and target-costing methodologies.
• Identify and prioritize cost optimization opportunities across systems, components, materials, and interfaces.
• Build transparent cost models and feedback loops comparing estimated and actual cost performance.
• Lead and develop the Cost Optimization team, establishing standards, processes, and capabilities.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Construction, and R&D leaders to embed cost awareness into decision-making.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in cost engineering, product costing, value engineering, cost optimization, or commercial leadership, ideally in construction.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional cost reduction initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Strong understanding of product and system cost structures, including materials, manufacturing, supply chains, and installation.
• Leadership experience building teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving organizational change.
• Data-driven mindset with knowledge of digital tools, analytics, and performance measurement frameworks.
• Fluent English is required.

Nice to have

• Experience with industrialized construction, modular building systems, prefabrication, or high-volume manufacturing.
• Knowledge of timber construction, MEP, façades, structural systems, German-speaking construction markets, or digital costing tools.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or experience applying continuous improvement methods.
• Fluent German language skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Unlimited employment contract with 30 vacation days.
• Company pension scheme and virtual shares program.
• English and German language courses.
• Mental health support through anonymous private and group sessions.
• Employee discounts with selected sustainable brands.
• Diverse international environment with colleagues from over 50 countries and a focus on inclusion.