In this pivotal role, you will spearhead efforts to evaluate, benchmark, and enhance the cost-efficiency of our diverse manufacturing operations. Serving as a crucial liaison among production teams, engineering divisions, financial controllers, and global facilities, you will drive transparency in cost structures, identify key cost influences, and implement cost-reduction strategies. Your work will encompass both immediate cost oversight and the development of long-term strategic initiatives, including localizing production and refining processes.
**Responsibilities**
- Conduct thorough reviews of monthly manufacturing cost records to uncover variances and root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
- Benchmark labor and production expenses against our leading plants to pinpoint discrepancies and devise actionable plans for gap closure.
- Establish precise cost and productivity benchmarks for manufacturing processes and lead targeted improvement programs.
- Collaborate with finance teams to assess manufacturing overhead, summarize significant changes, and identify potential risks.
**Collaboration and Reporting**
- Host monthly meetings with global facilities to discuss production expenses, cost metrics, and the status of ongoing initiatives.
- Organize collaborative sessions with various departments focused on cost metrics and project execution strategies.
- Conduct investigations into cost measures through rigorous data analysis and recommendation follow-ups.
- Regularly update senior management on cost performances and project progression for designated product lines.
**Project and Strategic Support**
- Assist engineering projects with cost analysis related to localization efforts, including business case and impact assessments.
- Oversee and deliver concurrent enhancement, cost-saving, and localization projects within established timelines and budget efficiencies.
- Formulate detailed project plans including scope definitions, timeline projections, risk assessments, and cost strategies; track progress and report to senior leaders.
**Qualifications**
- A minimum of 1–3 years' experience in manufacturing cost analysis, production engineering, or process enhancement, particularly in environments focused on sheet metal fabrication.
- Proficiency in cost comparison, variance scrutiny, and KPI management within manufacturing settings.
- Proven project management expertise, with experience in overseeing multi-site projects and steering stakeholder meetings.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (including PivotTables and Power Query); familiarity with SAP and Power BI is advantageous.
- Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a readiness to engage in hands-on floor operations and occasional travel.
**Education**
- A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Administration (with an operations focus), or a related discipline.