Cost Estimator

Venteon; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Venteon is seeking a Lead Costing Estimator / Costing Manager in the metro-Detroit area to develop detailed business cases and cost analyses for automotive programs. You will work across Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to build accurate cost models and guide make-versus-buy decisions.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in auto/manufacturing costing and a proven ability to present to senior leadership, with strong Excel-based financial modeling and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of automotive/manufacturing experience with at least 4+ years in costing and business case development.
• Advanced Excel skills with financial modeling and analysis.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed business cases and cost analyses for new opportunities and programs.
• Perform manufacturing cost analysis, make-versus-buy studies, pricing and volume scenarios.
• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Plant Finance, and other functions to develop accurate product and program cost models.
• Analyze margins across regions and present financial status and recommendations to management.

Skills

Costing

Financial modelling

Excel

Executive communication

Cross-functional

Quotes & cost analyses

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Engineering

Job description

Venteon Finance is currently seeking a Lead Costing Estimator / Costing Manager for a large global Tier 1 automotive supplier located in metro-Detroit area. This position will lead the financial development of business cases and cost analyses for automotive product programs. The role will work cross-functionally on new business quoting, engineering changes, make-versus-buy decisions, manufacturing cost models, cost reduction opportunities, and product/program profitability.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on costing experience within a Global Tier 1 automotive supplier and the ability to analyze complex cost structures and effectively present recommendations to executive leadership.

Requirements of the Lead Costing Estimator / Costing Manager

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of automotive/manufacturing experience with at least 4+ years of direct costing and business case development experience.
• Strong experience within a large global Tier 1 automotive supplier environment; experience with complex global manufacturing and customer programs strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and executive presence with the ability to develop and present business cases and financial recommendations to senior leadership.

Responsibilities of the Lead Costing Estimator / Costing Manager

• Develop detailed business cases and cost analyses supporting new business opportunities, quotes, engineering changes, and product programs.
• Perform manufacturing cost analysis, make-versus-buy studies, pricing and volume scenarios, and cost reduction evaluations.
• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Plant Finance, and other functions to develop accurate product and program cost models.
• Analyze customer, product, and program margins across multiple regions and monitor the financial performance of programs through launch.
• Present program financial status, business cases, cost analyses, risks, and recommendations to management and executive leadership.