Cost Estimating Manager

International Automotive Components • Southfield, MI

15h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field; a technical degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in cost estimating, manufacturing, or finance, ideally within a Tier 1 automotive environment.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., die-casting, injection molding, stamping), tooling requirements, and raw material markets.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (complex modeling) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Hyperion).
• Strong numerical aptitude to research, assemble, manage, and manipulate large data sets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to negotiate with suppliers and present findings to senior management.
• Ability to manage a group of people and develop them at the same time as being task oriented.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Manage the end-to-end RFQ (Request for Quotation) process, ensuring accurate, timely submissions for new business opportunities and engineering changes (ECI).
• Collaborate with Purchasing to target cost reduction opportunities, benchmarking current costs against industry standards to achieve the lowest product costs.
• Partner with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and Finance to analyze blueprints, manufacturing processes, and technical data to ensure estimates are realistic and technically sound.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of cost estimators/engineers, setting departmental KPIs and ensuring high-performance standards.
• Provide data-driven support to purchasing teams to challenge supplier quotation prices and drive cost reductions.
• Evaluate the financial impact of design changes, volume fluctuations, and macroeconomic factors (e.g., raw material fluctuations) on product profitability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees