Cost Optimization Manager - Automotive Powertrain

Horse Powertrain Ltd.; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Horse Powertrain Limited in Southfield, MI seeks an experienced Cost Management professional to drive end-to-end cost excellence across engine and transmission programs. You will embed robust cost control, enable data-driven decisions, and deliver value across North America.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering, 5+ years in automotive cost management, and strong analytical skills with proficiency in MS Office. English fluency is essential; Chinese is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of automotive cost management experience (powertrain preferred).
• Strong understanding of engine/transmission systems and cost structures.
• Proven track record in program cost control and optimization.
• Advanced analytical skills and proficiency in MS Office.
• Strong business acumen with high attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; Chinese is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own full lifecycle cost management for engine and transmission programs
• Define, cascade, and track cost targets down to subsystem level
• Monitor cost performance, analyze variances, and drive corrective actions
• Lead cross-functional cost optimization initiatives (R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance)
• Implement and enhance cost control processes, tools, and methodologies
• Drive Design-to-Cost and Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives
• Build and maintain a reliable, structured cost database
• Provide actionable insights to support strategic and operational decisions

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Business acumen

Fluent English

Chinese language (plus)

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business/Engineering/related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Horse Powertrain Limited in Southfield, MI seeks an experienced Cost Management professional to drive end-to-end cost excellence across engine and transmission programs. You will embed robust cost control, enable data-driven decisions, and deliver value across North America.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering, 5+ years in automotive cost management, and strong analytical skills with proficiency in MS Office. English fluency is essential; Chinese is a plus.