Cost Estimator

Aston Carter•Dearborn, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cost Estimator plays a critical role in the automotive service parts supply chain by ensuring cost integrity and maximizing profitability through data-driven pricing strategies and should-cost models. This position combines technical manufacturing knowledge, financial and pricing expertise, and advanced data analysis skills to support low-volume automotive service environments. The role acts as a consultant to internal purchasing teams and external suppliers, justifying cost adjustments and aligning pricing decisions with broader financial goals in a dynamic global market.

Requirements

Proven experience in cost estimating, pricing analysis, and cost analysis, with multiple years of hands-on responsibility in these areas.
Completed bachelor’s degree in a related field such as finance, accounting, engineering, supply chain, economics, or a similar discipline.
5+ years of experience in data analysis, including interpreting complex data sets and providing clear recommendations and solutions based on findings.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for advanced data analysis, modeling, and reporting.
Experience with data analysis and business intelligence tools, including Power BI or similar platforms.
Demonstrated ability to perform detailed cost analysis and cost estimation in a manufacturing or product-based environment.
Ability to evaluate supplier pricing and cost structures for parts, tooling, packaging, and contracts.
Strong financial acumen, including understanding of pricing strategies, profitability, and cost drivers.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with incomplete or imperfect data and still draw sound conclusions.
Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain and defend cost and pricing decisions to diverse stakeholders.
Motivated, self-starting mindset with long-term career aspirations and an interest in taking on greater responsibility over time.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Background in automotive cost analysis, particularly in service parts or low-volume environments.
Exposure to or understanding of manufacturing environments and commodities, including how materials, processes, and volumes influence cost.
Experience in roles such as Pricing Analyst, Cost Estimator, or Data Analyst within manufacturing, automotive, or related industries.
Familiarity with public commodity indices such as steel, plastics, and labor indices and how they affect supplier pricing.
Strong interest in continuous improvement and in developing more efficient, data-driven cost estimation and pricing methodologies.
Career-minded approach with a desire to grow within a team-oriented, values-driven organization.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and validate automotive supplier part pricing, tooling, packaging, and contract requests, with a specific focus on low-volume service requirements.
Develop, maintain, and refine should-cost estimates to establish baselines for supplier negotiations and long-range financial planning.
Assess the economic impact of changes in manufacturing processes, volume fluctuations, and macroeconomic factors such as inflation, and clearly explain resulting pricing adjustments.
Analyze large, complex, and sometimes incomplete data sets to identify trends, establish facts, and draw actionable conclusions that support pricing and cost decisions.
Present, explain, and defend cost changes and pricing recommendations to internal and external stakeholders with potentially competing agendas, ensuring transparency and alignment with financial objectives.
Data mine public indices, including steel, plastic, and labor indices, to anticipate market shifts and assess their impact on the supply base and overall cost structure.
Collaborate closely with purchasing, finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure cost estimates and pricing strategies support broader business goals.
Use tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and SAP (if available) to build, maintain, and communicate cost models, reports, and dashboards.
Provide data-driven recommendations and solutions based on analytical findings, supporting continuous improvement in cost management and pricing strategies.
Travel occasionally to supplier sites or manufacturing facilities to gather cost-related information, validate assumptions, and strengthen supplier relationships.