Finance Estimating Specialist

Summit Polymers•Portage, MI

About The Position

This is a key position responsible for developing new product quotations to secure new business for the company. The role requires quickly learning the company’s products and customer requirements, particularly the application of cost and pricing variables. It involves extensive work with data, standardized templates, detailed analysis, and customer documentation to create comprehensive quote packages. The Specialist coordinates closely with program managers, chief engineers, sales, manufacturing, accounting, and customers to ensure quotes reflect customer-requested modifications and engineering updates. The role recommends pricing by applying standard rates to manufacturing processes and materials, forming the basis of customer quotations. Strong mathematical, Excel, organizational, and communication skills are essential, and some direct customer interaction is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in cost estimating, pricing, or financial analysis in the automotive industry.
Solid understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, such as molding, painting, wrapping, welding, and assembly.
Strong knowledge of raw materials, such as steel, aluminum, and plastics.
Proficiency with Excel and costing software such as aPriori, AutoQuote, or similar.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.
Minimum score of 26 on the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test.

Nice To Haves

Experience with quoting to major OEMs such as Ford, GM, Stellantis, or Nissan.
Experience with CMS, SAP, or another ERP system.
Experience with a Tier 1 automotive supplier.

Responsibilities

Develop cost estimates for new product quotations, engineering changes, and customer RFQs based on design, material, process, tooling, labor, and overhead inputs.
Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, sales, and other cross-functional teams to gather necessary data and assumptions.
Analyze customer specifications, bills of materials, and drawings to determine cost drivers and feasibility.
Use costing software and internal systems to prepare detailed cost breakdowns.
Support pricing strategy development by analyzing competitive benchmarks and customer targets.
Evaluate supplier quotes and raw material pricing for accuracy and alignment with estimates.
Monitor variances between estimated and actual costs and provide feedback to improve future quote accuracy.
Assist with cost-reduction initiatives and value-engineering analysis.
Ensure compliance with company financial practices and customer contractual requirements.
Complete all required post-hire training.