Lifecycle Cost Analyst

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1

This role focuses on managing material costs throughout the lifecycle of automotive programs, advocating for cost-saving methodologies, and supporting program teams with cost information and analysis. It involves preparing for cost workshops, investigating cost opportunities, and creating cost studies using digital tools and Excel.

What you'd actually do

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Investigate and close out material cost opportunities coming from ACT workshops, working to optimize cost using a Systems approach through leading the To4 discussions.
  5. 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)

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience
  • Advanced English communication proficiency
  • 5+ years of proven experience within Automotive Product Development
  • Comprehensive understanding of the Global Product Development System (GPDS)
  • Foundational understanding of program financial health
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Exceptional organizational skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Nice to have

  • 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
  • Project Management Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM certification
  • Cross-Functional Leadership experience
  • Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify timing or financial risks early and propose data-driven mitigation strategies
  • Knowledge of Qlik

What the JD emphasized

  • 5+ years of proven experience within Automotive Product Development
  • Advanced English communication proficiency
  • Foundational understanding of program financial health
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Exceptional organizational skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills