Lifecycle Cost Analyst

Ford • Dearborn, MI

6d • $72,480 - $162,120 • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, you will support program teams to manage Material Cost over the lifecycle of the program. You will exercise and advocate for our Cost Culture within the company, with emphasis and reinforcing the Don't Over-Design, Don't Over-Content, and Don't Over-Pay Methodology. You will attend, contribute and support Program forums such as the PST, CPE DF, Finance PAT to represent the Material Cost Attribute, sharing cost information, cascading and communicating information to the cross functional teams. You will prepare for and support the Advanced Cost (ACT) workshops in the early phases of program development to determine cost targets by commodity and part that support the Target Income Statement for cost and target upload into FEDE. You will investigate and close out material cost opportunities coming from ACT workshops, working to optimize cost using a Systems approach through leading the To4 discussions. You will utilize the suite of digital ecosystem tools managed by Global Total Cost to document efficient cost start points, physical content and sourcing changes, competitive benchmarks, Optimal Cost Estimates, etc. (Training to be provided- Knowledge of Qlik is a plus). You will create ad-hoc What-If Cost Studies to support strategic and tactical decision-making. You will be able to help resolve any problems or issues that may arise. Ability to integrate, consolidate, and manage multiple projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Advanced English communication proficiency, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively in both verbal and written formats.
• 5+ years of proven experience within Automotive Product Development, with a strong understanding of vehicle programs and industry standards.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Global Product Development System (GPDS) and the ability to manage and track Program Timing milestones.
• Foundational understanding of program financial health, including the ability to interpret and analyze program income statements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., data analysis, pivot tables, and complex formulas) to support program tracking and reporting.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on clear, concise, and effective stakeholder management.
• A proactive approach to identifying potential timing risks or financial discrepancies.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a Master’s in Engineering Management.
• Data Visualization: Experience using data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau to report on program health.
• Project Management Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM certification is highly desirable.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Experience leading or coordinating large-scale projects involving diverse teams (Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Marketing).
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify timing or financial risks early and propose data-driven mitigation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Exercise and Advocate for our Cost Culture within the company, with emphasis and reinforcing the Don't Over-Design, Don't Over-Content, and Don't Over-Pay Methodology
• Attend, contribute and support Program forums such as the PST, CPE DF, Finance PAT to represent the Material Cost Attribute, sharing cost information, cascading and communicating information to the cross functional teams
• Prepare for and support the Advanced Cost (ACT) workshops in the early phases of program development to determine cost targets by commodity and part that support the Target Income Statement for cost and target upload into FEDE.
• Investigate and close out material cost opportunities coming from ACT workshops, working to optimize cost using a Systems approach through leading the To4 discussions.
• Utilize the suite of digital ecosystem tools managed by Global Total Cost to document efficient cost start points, physical content and sourcing changes, competitive benchmarks, Optimal Cost Estimates, etc. (Training to be provided- Knowledge of Qlik is a plus)
• Create ad-hoc What-If Cost Studies to support strategic and tactical decision-making.
• Able to help resolve any problems or issues that may arise.
• Ability to integrate, consolidate, and manage multiple projects.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level