The Project Manager Cost Engineering leads strategic cost optimization initiatives across the product lifecycle, combining technical expertise, commercial acumen and project leadership. The role develops should-cost analyses, drives VAVE programs, supports supplier negotiations, and translates complex cost insights into actionable recommendations for management. Acting as a key interface between Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and leadership teams, the position delivers measurable business impact and significant cross-functional exposure.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- End-to-End Project Management: Monitor and track product cost targets from early concept development (Design-to-Cost) through to series production. Independently initiate, plan, and lead cost-down projects (Value Analysis) to optimize existing product lines and supply chains.
- Bottom-Up Calculation & Cost Benchmarking: Independently create detailed bottom-up cost estimates (manufacturing costs, total costs) for individual components, sub-assemblies, and complete systems. Analyze manufacturing processes, raw material costs, labor rates, and machine hour rates. Conduct benchmark analyses and "should-cost" calculations to pinpoint cost reduction potential.
- Workshop Moderation & Methodological Expertise: Prepare, organize, and moderate cross-functional cost engineering and value analysis workshops (engaging Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and SCM. Apply modern cost engineering methodologies (e.g., DTC, VAVE, Teardown Analysis, QFD).
- Management Reporting & Decision Papers: Translate complex cost data into concise, executive-ready decision papers. Report cost statuses, variance analyses, and savings potential directly to executive leadership on a regular basis.
- Cross-Functional & Negotiation Support: Act as a sparring partner for Engineering to drive cost-effective component design. Provide data-driven cost models and fact-based arguments to support Procurement during supplier negotiations.
Requirements
- Several years of proven experience in cost engineering, cost calculation, or value analysis - ideally within an industrial manufacturing environment (e.g., Automotive, Machinery, Electronics).
- Broad and deep knowledge of Target Costing, Design-to-Cost, Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and bottom-up calculation methods.
- Project Management: Demonstrated experience leading complex (product) projects; formal certification (e.g., PMP, IPMA, SCRUM) is a plus.
- High level of self-initiative and a willingness to dive deep into technical details, build/operate calculation tools independently, and handle operational tasks directly.
- Advanced skills in MS Office (especially Excel), along with hands-on experience using Cost Engineering software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken). German and/or French are advantageous.
Benefits
- Responsible tasks
- Attractive compensation
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Flexible working hours
- Company pension plan
- Corporate benefits
- Excellent transportation links by car or train, plus a company subsidy for public transportation pass or parking
- We are an in-office company because we feel this supports team spirit, efficiency and problem solving at their very best; mobile working is possible to a limited extent.
If the role sounds of interest and you want to learn more, please apply.
Contact: Benjamin Waldmann, Senior Manager Indirect Procurement
We welcome all applications, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, ethnic background, or sexual identity.
If your application is successful one of our team members will be in touch to arrange an initial conversation!