Freelance Cost Optimization Consultant (Client Hire)

Flexing It is a freelance consulting marketplace that connects freelancers and independent consultants with organisations seeking independent talent.

Flexing It has partnered with Our client, an American multinational strategy and management consulting firm is looking for a Cost Optimization Consultant to identify, evaluate, and implement cost optimization initiatives across the manufacturing value chain of the snack food segment by working closely with the operations, procurement, supply chain, and finance teams to reduce production costs, improve process efficiency, and drive sustainable profitability without compromising quality and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Conduct end-to-end cost analysis across production lines, including raw material usage, labour, utilities, wastage, and overheads specific to snack food manufacturing (e.g., chips, namkeen, extruded snacks).

2. Identify inefficiencies in cooking/frying/baking, packaging, and quality control processes. Recommend and implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma-based improvements.

3. Analyse raw material sourcing, alternate ingredients, and packaging formats for cost-saving opportunities while maintaining shelf life and consumer appeal.

4. Recommend energy efficiency measures, alternative fuel usage, and equipment calibration to reduce electricity, gas, and water usage across factories.

5. Evaluate automation and digitalisation opportunities (IoT, sensors, predictive maintenance) to reduce manual dependency and optimise batch processes.

6. Benchmark costs and practices against industry leaders and global snack manufacturers to identify and bridge gaps.

7. Collaborate with plant heads, quality managers, procurement, R&D, and finance teams to validate opportunities, co-create implementation plans, and track ROI.

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