Cost Estimating Manager

Job description

A Cost Estimating Manager at a Tier 1 automotive supplier oversees the financial forecasting, "should-cost" modeling, and quoting processes for new and existing programs. This role bridges purchasing, engineering, and sales to ensure competitive, profitable bids on products while leading cost-targeting and benchmarking activities. Key Responsibilities: - Cost Estimation & "Should-Cost" Modeling: Lead the development of detailed "should-cost" models to provide a baseline for supplier negotiations and customer negotiations, including materials, labor, tooling, packaging, and freight. - RFQ Management: Manage the end-to-end RFQ (Request for Quotation) process, ensuring accurate, timely submissions for new business opportunities and engineering changes (ECI). - Strategic Sourcing & Benchmarking: Collaborate with Purchasing to target cost reduction opportunities, benchmarking current costs against industry standards to achieve the lowest product costs. - Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and Finance to analyze blueprints, manufacturing processes, and technical data to ensure estimates are realistic and technically sound. - Team Leadership & Man...