Project Cost Performance Specialist

Posted 2 Days Ago
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Auburn Hills, MI, USA
In-Office
Senior level
Automotive
The Role
Manage Total Production Cost forecasts, cost targets, benchmarking, and Design-to-Cost initiatives throughout vehicle product development and production. The role analyzes cost performance, identifies savings opportunities, supports profitability and business-case assessments, develops forecasting processes, and provides actionable reporting. It partners with engineering, finance, cost engineering, and program teams to balance cost, quality, performance, and customer expectations while driving alignment with financial targets.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary & Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly analytical and collaborative Project Cost Performance Specialist to drive cost optimization and profitability throughout the product development lifecycle. This role is responsible for consolidating and managing Total Production Cost (TPC) forecasts, supporting project teams in achieving cost targets, and providing strategic guidance on components and vehicle adaptation costs.


As a key partner to engineering, finance, program management, and cost engineering teams, you will influence critical business decisions, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure project profitability objectives are achieved from concept development through production launch and beyond.


Key Responsibilities:


Total Production Cost (TPC) Management & Forecasting

  • Lead the consolidation and management of Total Production Cost forecasts from project initiation through Start of Production (SOP) and mass production.
  • Ensure cost forecasts remain accurate and aligned with project scope, design evolution, and business objectives.
  • Perform cost assessments during early development phases using preliminary product and program inputs.
  • Analyze and benchmark TPC performance against established vehicle targets and comparable programs.
  • Serve as the primary cost performance contact for project teams, providing guidance, insights, and challenge where necessary.
  • Monitor production cost performance throughout the product lifecycle and develop forward-looking cost projections using key business drivers, including commodity trends, foreign exchange forecasts, and operational efficiency initiatives.

Design-to-Cost Leadership

  • Drive Design-to-Cost activities from advanced development through tooling release and program execution.
  • Facilitate recurring cross-functional reviews that support informed decision-making and cost convergence.
  • Ensure Design-to-Cost methodologies and best practices are fully integrated within project development processes.
  • Identify and promote cost reduction opportunities by leveraging product, industry, and market knowledge.
  • Collaborate with engineering and program stakeholders to balance cost, quality, performance, and customer expectations.

Cost Target Development & Competitive Benchmarking

  • Support the establishment of competitive production cost targets based on industry benchmarking and market analysis.
  • Partner with Cost Engineering teams to develop robust Should-Cost models and cost-saving strategies.
  • Provide data-driven insights and recommendations that support target-setting activities and business case development.
  • Track progress toward cost objectives and engage stakeholders to proactively address gaps and drive corrective actions.
  • Challenge and support project teams in achieving alignment between production costs and financial targets.

Financial Governance & Process Excellence

  • Ensure compliance with established financial, accounting, and cost management standards.
  • Support profitability assessments and business case evaluations in partnership with finance and commercial teams.
  • Develop, standardize, and continuously improve cost forecasting methodologies, processes, and reporting tools.
  • Provide clear and actionable cost performance reporting to leadership and key stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering or Accounting/Finance/Business
  • A minimum of 5 years of Forecasting/budgeting experience
  • Strong experience in cost analysis, product costing, manufacturing finance, program controls, or related disciplines.
  • Understanding of vehicle systems, powertrain technologies, manufacturing processes, and product development lifecycle.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and technical data.
  • Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive performance through collaboration.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience with forecasting, budgeting, business case development, and cost optimization initiatives.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and cost management/reporting tools preferred.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Accounting, Finance, or Business
  • At least 5 years of forecasting or budgeting experience
  • Strong experience in cost analysis, product costing, manufacturing finance, program controls, or a related discipline
  • Understanding of vehicle systems, powertrain technologies, manufacturing processes, and the product development lifecycle
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting complex financial and technical data
  • Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive performance through collaboration
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Experience with forecasting, budgeting, business-case development, and cost optimization initiatives
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cost management or reporting tools

Stellantis Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Stellantis and has not been reviewed or approved by Stellantis.

  • Pay Growth & Progression Contract-driven increases lifted hourly wages roughly 25% over 4.5 years and restored cost-of-living adjustments, pushing top rates near $42 per hour by the end of the agreement. Union hourly positions appear to have benefited most since the 2023 deal.
  • Affordable Benefits UAW-represented hourly workers pay no premiums and about 3% of total healthcare costs while receiving comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and wellness coverage. This creates materially lower out-of-pocket costs for represented hourly roles.
  • Retirement Support Post-2007 hourly hires receive a 10% employer 401(k) contribution and legacy workers saw defined-benefit improvements with retiree bonuses. Salaried roles also cite a 401(k) with employer match and contribution up to a maximum of 8%.

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The Company
HQ: Auburn Hills, MI
104,031 Employees

What We Do

Our storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today’s customers in their innovative products and services: they include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall and mobility brands Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which we operate.

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