[Job Summary]
This role is responsible for establishing and leading the North American cost analysis function, including building, developing, and mentoring a high-performing team with a strong focus on accuracy, accountability, and collaboration.
[Job Description]
Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Establish and lead the North American cost analysis team.
Recruit, train, and mentor a team of cost analysts.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and collaboration.
- Lead cost target setting and RFQ cost calculations for new business pursuits.
Track and report program profitability throughout the product lifecycle.
- Partner with engineering, purchasing, and operations to analyze BOM structures, materials, logistics, labor, and overhead costs.
- Support cost optimization and value engineering efforts.
- Act as the primary financial interface with cross-functional teams to support program success.
- Translate technical and operational data into actionable cost insights.
- Support commercial negotiations by providing timely and accurate cost information.
- Establish and implement regional cost analysis processes based on benchmarks from corporate and European offices.
- Customize tools and systems to meet North American requirements while aligning with global standards.
- Develop standard costing models, cost tracking systems, and reporting structures.
Provide clear, timely reporting on cost performance, risks, and opportunities to the CFO and senior leadership.
- Participate in strategic discussions and decision-making with data-driven cost perspectives.
Requirements
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SKILLS/ REQUIRMENTS:
In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, tasks relating to the following area will be assigned as required.
- Be a team player.
- Have great attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Be reliable (with reliable mode of transportation.)
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Engineering, Accounting, or a related field; MBA, CPA, or CMA preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in cost analysis, program finance, or operations finance in the automotive or manufacturing industry.
- At least 3 years of leadership experience, with proven success in hiring, mentoring, and managing teams.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures, including BOM, labor, overhead, and logistics.
- Advanced financial modeling skills and proficiency in Excel; experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Must be comfortable working in a diverse, multicultural, and international business environment.
- Korean language skills are a strong plus.
- Experience collaborating with global teams and navigating cultural nuances in communication and business practices is highly valued.
- The position may require occasional domestic and international travel to support global collaboration, benchmarking, team alignment, and project-related activities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Position requires occasional or frequent moderate physical activity.
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
- A typical work week is 40 hours/week.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Office work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
TRAVEL:
- Occasional international travel
- Frequent local travel
OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
- Paid Vacation & Personal Time Off
- 15 Paid Holidays
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Tuition Assistance