Project Manager Cost Engineering (m/w/d)

INEOS Automotive; Böblingen; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days vacation per year

Flexible working hours

Company pension plan

Corporate benefits

Transportation subsidy

Job summary

INEOS Automotive is seeking a Project Manager Cost Engineering to drive strategic cost optimization across the product lifecycle in Böblingen, Germany. The role combines technical cost expertise with commercial acumen and strong project leadership.

You will develop should-cost analyses, manage VAVE programs, support supplier negotiations, and present actionable cost insights to senior management. Collaboration across Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and leadership is essential for

Qualifications

• Several years of proven cost engineering, cost calculation or value analysis experience.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Project Management: monitor cost targets from concept to series production.
• Lead cost-down projects (Value Analysis) to optimize products and supply chains.
• Create bottom-up cost estimates for components, sub-assemblies and systems.
• Moderate cross-functional cost engineering and value analysis workshops with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing and SCM.
• Translate cost data into concise, executive-ready decision papers for leadership.
• Support supplier negotiations with data-driven cost models.

Skills

Cost engineering

Cost calculation

Value Analysis

DTC

Project Management

Excel

Negotiation

Communication

Fluent English

Tools

SAP

MS Excel

ERP

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Contact: Benjamin Waldmann, Senior Manager Indirect Procurement

We welcome all applications, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, ethnic background, or sexual identity.