Cost Engineer - Business Operations

CREATIVE WERKS LLC • Elk Grove Village, IL

104d • $75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Creative Werks (CW) partners with Top 100 food brands to bring their products to market through our design, co-packing and manufacturing services. Sitting in the Operational Excellence Department, the Cost Engineer serves as the primary estimator at Creative Werks focusing on the operational inputs related to the new item quote router process, serving as a liaison between Client Services, Design R&D, Finance, Operations, and Sales. This individual will utilize data-driven insights to evaluate client and SKU-level performance improvements, own and develop competitive and profitable quotes for new business opportunities, solve operational challenges, and recommend strategic changes to enhance operation efficiencies and profitability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics or similar discipline.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (Pivot Tables, Power Query, SumIfs, VLOOKUPs, XLOOKUPs, etc.).
• Exposure to Power BI, Tableau or other data visualization tools a plus but not required.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems such as Dynamics 365, Epicor, HubSpot, IFS, Oracle, Sage, SAP, Syteline or another related platform.
• 2-3 years of experience in supply chain or manufacturing operations, specializing in data analysis, forecasting and strategic business operations.
• Understanding of Packaging Lines, Crew Size Planning and Throughput Rates a plus.
• Demonstrated ability in thinking strategically, analytically and collaboratively with curiosity at heart.
• Adept at business partnering and working with cross functional teams, building meaningful business relationships along the way.
• Exceptional presentation, written and verbal skills - able to interact effectively with all levels of the business, senior leadership and stakeholders that can pick up context quickly, navigate ambiguity and get to the heart of the solution.
• Self-starter, persistent and comfortable working autonomously and with teams to move business and team initiatives forward.

Responsibilities

• Estimate, identify and prepare timely, accurate and detailed quotations by evaluating customer requirements, production capabilities and historical data to quote.
• Act as a key liaison between Sales, Design, Client Services, Operations, Engineering and Finance to ensure alignment throughout the quotation process.
• Recommend production line assignments based on equipment capabilities, allergen considerations, tooling constraints and project specifications.
• Become familiar with Creative Werks’ production lines and equipment to understand capabilities to propose Crew Sizes & Production Rates for inputs to the new business quotation process.
• Direct the Sales, Design, Client Services team on which production line a new request can/should run on, based on capabilities, allergen constraints and other determining factors.
• Lead implementation initiatives that can identify, validate and recommend process improvements that enhance quoting accuracy against existing business routers, performance and collaboration.
• Foster an understanding of tooling requirements measurements, functionality and assist with inputs for annual budget process in collaboration with Plant Managers and Finance.
• Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness).
• Participate in company Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) walks.
• Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management.

Benefits

• Fun, creative, and inviting atmosphere – plus the perk of working with cool food brands!
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• 401K and company match.
• Hybrid work eligible after 90 days/onboarding complete (max 2 days per week).
• Paid Time Off.
• On-site gym.
• Audible Subscription.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree