Cost Estimator, Manager

NIDEC AMEC
is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced automotive components and systems, driving innovation in electric mobility and control technology globally. Our success relies on operational excellence and sound financial leadership, which we strategically execute from our state-of-the-art facility in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico (Zaragoza Plant).

We are currently seeking a dynamic, highly technical, and results-driven leader for the critical role of Cost Estimator Manager for New Projects. This position is fundamental to securing the profitability and financial integrity of our future product portfolio.

Cost Estimator Manager for New Projects:

Job Summary

The Cost Estimator Manager is a critical, strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing and validating all cost estimation activities for new product introduction (NPI) programs within our high-volume manufacturing environment. This role drives the organization's profitability by ensuring the accuracy and competitiveness of the Cost of Sales (COS) model, customer quotations, and supplier negotiations from the initial RFQ phase through Start of Production (SOP). The Manager must possess a deep technical understanding of automotive component manufacturing processes and their underlying cost drivers.

Key Responsibilities

I. Strategic Leadership and NPI

Lead, mentor, and manage the Cost Estimating team, ensuring alignment of all quoting activities with organizational profit targets and NPI timelines.

Serve as the primary costing expert and strategic partner to Program Management, Engineering, Sales, and Purchasing throughout the APQP/NPI lifecycle.

Develop and implement standardized cost estimation methodologies, tools, and best practices across all relevant manufacturing sites.

Ensure all new programs adhere to Target Costing goals and profitability mandates established by senior management.

II. Cost Modeling and Analysis (COS Expertise)

Own the Cost of Sales (COS) structure for new business bids, reviewing customer Requests for Quotation (RFQs), technical drawings, CAD data, and specifications to determine comprehensive cost breakdowns.

Apply deep engineering knowledge and understanding of automotive manufacturing process cost structures (e.g., stamping, injection molding, welding, machining, motor assembly) to model labor, machine cycle times, tooling/capital expenditure (CapEx), and overhead allocations accurately.

Validate complex financial models covering materials (BOM - Bill of Materials), processing, packaging, logistics, and corporate burden.

Identify and quantify major cost drivers early in the design phase and proactively suggest Value Engineering (VE) or Design-to-Cost (DTC) opportunities to maximize margins.

III. Quotation and Governance

Lead the preparation and review of final quotation summaries, profit analyses, and price proposals submitted to OEM and Tier 1 customers.

Collaborate with Purchasing to evaluate supplier quotations for raw materials, purchased components, and tooling, ensuring competitive pricing and adherence to technical feasibility.

Maintain, update, and govern the integrity of master cost data libraries, standard labor rates, and machine burden rates used across the organization.

Lead formal cost reviews with cross-functional leadership and present detailed cost impact analysis for engineering design or process changes (ECNs).

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Finance, or a related technical field. A master's degree or related professional certification is highly desirable.

Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in Cost Estimating, Cost Engineering, or Financial Planning & Analysis, with significant tenure in Automotive Manufacturing (Tier 1 or Tier 2 preferred). Minimum of 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role is required.

Technical Expertise: Mandatory strong expertise in Cost of Sales (COS), manufacturing process costing, and NPI launch processes.

Tools: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for complex financial modeling. Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and specialized costing software is required.

Soft Skills: Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical and executive stakeholders.

NIDEC AMEC is firmly committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that evaluates all qualified candidates without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage all individuals who meet these qualifications to apply and become a driving force behind our global success.