Cost Engineering & Sourcing Strategy Analyst - Onsite

ACE Hardware•Oak Brook, IL

3d•$88,400 - $110,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Cost Engineering & Sourcing Strategy Analyst (internally known as Cost Engineering Analyst) evaluates cost, commodity and market data to identify and set cost out goals, then coordinates and partners with cross functional teams to develop and execute cost out strategies using Cost Engineering tools, including but not limited to competitive bidding, presentation and negotiations materials, analysis on CTQ, consumer review, survey, assortment, should-cost, competitive, and demand transfer data.

Requirements

Able to interpret complex, large volume and sometimes contradictory data to develop fact-backed insights and strategies
Demonstrated analytic abilities with an emphasis on critical thinking, root cause analysis, and problem solving required
Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross functional team setting to share insights, co-create outputs and iterate with speed
Demonstrated self-starter and ability to semi-independently run analysis to drive to answers
Clear, proactive and collaborative communicator
Can tactfully address issues with internal and external business partners
Demonstrates poise, composure, presence, communication skills and an understanding of key data drivers to establish rapport and respect with negotiation partners
Demonstrates experience developing creative solutions that provide win-win outcomes in difficult or ambiguous situations
Skilled in coordinating timelines and project managing across multiple simultaneous projects
Prior exposure to manufacturing, sourcing, product development desired
Possess a positive attitude with a bias towards action
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills with a passion for discovering answers and insights
Minimum of 3-5 years’ prior work experience, ideally in some of the following fields: Manufacturing, engineering, commodity trading, sourcing, analytics, forecasting, merchandising, product design, category management, consulting, project management

Nice To Haves

Previous experience using reporting tools such as Alteryx and Power BI
Prior experience with sourcing software (Coupa, Jaggaer, etc) a plus

Responsibilities

Mine, combine and assess facts from 3rd party experts, publications, vendors and internal partners (Cat Management, Finance, Domestic Merchants, Import Merchants, Pricing) to identify and prioritize cost engineering opportunities
Monitor changes in commodity markets, industry shifts (M&A), product innovations to evaluate changes in negotiation gaps / leverage
Use input cost models and price opportunity reporting to identify off-cycle cost out opportunities
Synthesize product, assortment, competitive and market research into actionable insights and opportunities for cost negotiations through the Cost Engineering process
Review spend data to help prioritize areas of focus
Research cost drivers across various industries, vendors and products
Learn the key metrics, CTQ, features and drivers for different product categories
Leverage consumer data/reviews, surveys, interviews and pilot programs to test assumptions and assess brand value
Use demand transfer data and margin impact models to evaluate assortment updates impacts, quantify negotiation tradeoffs (carrots and sticks) and prioritize recommendations for merchants
Identify inconsistencies in vendor pricing architecture to demonstrate the need for cost concessions
Incorporate merchant expertise and context into analysis to account for nuance and real-world factors
Serve as an independent, unbiased thought contributor capable of using data to make recommendations others may have overlooked and to influence cross-functional stakeholders
Track project milestones and resolve roadblocks to ensure project timelines stay on track
Coordinate and host recurring category team meetings to investigate opportunities, assess vendor bids and craft negotiation strategies
Maintain a repository of facts, analysis, dashboards, charts and findings for respective projects
Conduct negotiation training and mock negotiations
Author materials for and participate in vendor negotiations using fact-based analysis
Manage line review bid process using eRFx platform (program creation, coding scenarios, impact analysis, troubleshoot issues, coordinate vendor communications, track and report on progress)
Employ analytics tools (eRFx, Alteryx, Power BI, Excel) to evaluate bid scenarios, calculate cost savings and profit margin impacts
Efficiently run detailed financial analysis for scenario testing and cost out projections
Provide recurring performance and execution updates
Refine should-cost models and commodity insights, establish cost out goals, and identify margin growth prospects
Accumulate expertise and insights on raw material markets and manufacturing processes
Manage list of negotiation tactics in Merchandising Leverage Library
Introduce and drive CE best practices; lead continuous improvement of analytic tools, methodologies, and visualization for the CE team
Help refine and enhance cost reporting in Power BI
Collaborate with Merchandising, Category Management, Finance and Pricing
Advice on the differences in commodity prices and manufacturing processes
Occasionally perform Ace and competitor product tear downs

Benefits

Incentive opportunities
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year in addition to quarterly contributions and annual discretionary contribution
Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability – up to 26 weeks short-term disability and long-term disability) & life insurance benefits for you and your dependents
21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year)
Up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire
Company Car, phone and fuel card are provided for field-based positions
Annual Ace Cares Week
20 hours off work per year to volunteer at an organization of your choice
Opportunities to help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation
On-site classes, facilitator-led courses
Generous tuition assistance program
Frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales
Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers and thousands more
Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to free visits to therapists and lawyers, guidance on financial matters, elder and childcare, and assistance with tickets to entertainment events
Identity theft protection