Project Manager Cost Engineering (m/w/d)

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!