Cost Estimator

The Future is Made by You: Ready, Set, Ford At Ford, we are not just a car company; we are a movement. We are undergoing a massive transformation to lead the electric and digital revolution. This requires a culture of speed, purpose, and—above all—integrity. Our Ready, Set, Ford mindset means we are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, we are set on our goals of innovation and belonging, and we are moving forward together.

Cost Estimating Analyst for Seat Plastics and Seat Back Panels, interfacing with key stakeholders in Purchasing (Supply Chain), Product Development (including Programs), Material Cost, and Finance, for all matters related to part costs Seats commodities. This role requires a strategic influencer who can manage an ambiguous environment.

• Develop piece cost and tooling estimates for assigned commodities which requires an extensive understanding of manufacturing cost structure and supply base capability.

• Support cost target setting, commercial pricing agreements, and change control processes for forward and current model vehicle programs by delivering accurate estimates including detailed cost gap analysis.

• Support vehicle teardowns, benchmark standard methodologies, and identify material cost reduction opportunities.

• Actively support strategic commodity initiatives with relevant cost analyses

• Develop and deliver executive level presentations to senior leadership in support of the cost analysis being performed in a clear, concise, and convincing manner.

• Ensure reasonable, physicals-based, Best-In-Class assumptions for part manufacturing of their respective commodities and convincingly convey principles to stakeholders & partners.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of differences between Activity Based Costing, volume-based costing, and “Should Cost”.  Provide technical guidance and variance explanations between ABC, suppliers’ costing methodologies, and “Should Cost” estimates.
• Facilitate and participate on supplier plant visits, preferably with Supply Chain and STA, to support benchmarking, data gathering, training, negotiations, or other activities as needed to ensure physicals-based cost estimates, quantifiable gap analyses, and viable cost reductions.
• Provide negotiation support to Supply Chain as they engage senior supplier representatives to achieve material cost reductions.
• Deliver robust cost estimates and analyses in support of Program Lifecycle, TVM, Benchmarking, etc., as required to drive design and commercial cost reductions.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 3+ years of business/finance experience/ manufacturing experience.
• Experience: 3+ years in automotive component manufacturing processes.
• Language: Advanced English proficiency (oral and written) is mandatory for global stakeholder interaction.
• Onsite: Ability to work onsite 4+ days per week at Ford facilities.
• Travel: Willingness to travel occasionally to both Ford and Supplier facilities (domestic and international).
• Technical Core: Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing cost structures, "Should Cost" methodologies, and ability to interpret engineering drawings/specifications.

Even better, you may have...

• Commodity Expertise: Experience in Plastic Injection Molding, Polyurethane Foam, Thermoforming, or Textiles (Headliner-related).
• Software: Hands-on experience with estimating tools such as FACTON, APRIORI, or SIEMENS.
• Data & Agile: History of using data analytics or AI tools to modernize business workflows and driving Agile transformations.
• Lean Principles: Knowledge of Value Stream Mapping, Takt time, and GPDS milestones.

DISCLAIMER: Ford Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, as we are committed with a diverse workforce, and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran and basis of disability. #LI-JRA