Senior Business Planning Specialist

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, the cost planning specialist coordinates efforts and leads the company to meet cost and profit goals by each product and vehicle program.  It is a unique role in the USA and requires skills in multiple functions and high motivation to be successful.  The position combines strategic planning from many views (market, product, footprint, supply chain and cost.  As a Cost Planner, you will be responsible for products made at plants located in Michigan, Kentucky, Iowa, Tennessee, Canada, and Mexico.  The position is highly visible to Executive Management, and will have heavy interaction with Sales, Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Purchasing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Report cost & profit analysis to top management.
• Estimate the cost of new Engine Cooling Modules (ECM) and AC Systems (HVAC) product based on product bill of materials.
• On new products, work with Sales function to set the pricing approach based on market analysis and with Design Engineering to ensure efficient design.
• Support the engineering change process to minimize cost changes.
• Analyze the cost structure of both current and new products to develop strategies to improve financial results.
• Analyze and review costs of DENSO and competitor products to identify opportunities for advancement of DENSO's competitive position.
• Support the make or buy process with comparative analyses.
• Be involved in special reports and projects.

Qualifications (must meet minimum qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or related field. (Master’s Degree Preferred)
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in cost estimation, cost engineering, sales engineer. (Automotive and/or Manufacturing Preferred)

Preferred

• Experience in new product costing or product change management with ERP systems.
• Global manufacturing related work experience desired.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with fast speed and heavy deadlines 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft suite, especially in Excel and PowerPoint 
• Ability to identify and research accurate and required information on a topic; ability to handle and logically organize large amount of data, validate and commit to data accuracy; ability to utilize, interpret, and communicate the information effectively 
• Persistent and eagerness to improve process productivity 
• Mathematical and analytical skills with proven ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights. 
• Experience in developing and implementing business strategies and product improvements. 
• Experience with developing and presenting data-driven proposals to support strategic decisions. 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to influence others within the job area by explaining relevant facts, policies, and practices. 

BENEFITS SUMMARY: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans  
• 401K with 4% Company Match 
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays 
• Bonus Program 
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs 
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance 
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs 
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc. 
• Tuition Reimbursement  
• Career Development and Ongoing Training  
• Employee Assistance Program  
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program 
• Volunteer Opportunities  
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location) 
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)  
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location) 

Annual Salary: $78,000 - $98,000