Procurement VAVE Lead

SCN - Search Consulting Network; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SCN - Search Consulting Network is seeking a VAVE / Cost Optimization lead to drive purchasing-focused value analysis and value engineering initiatives. This role works with Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and suppliers to identify cost-reduction opportunities from concept to implementation.

Responsibilities include leading product teardowns, benchmarking, supplier workshops, ROI and TCO analyses, and cross-functional negotiations to deliver measurable savings without compromising quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, supply chain, or business.
• 4–6 years in purchasing, supplier cost management, or value engineering in manufacturing.
• Experience with supplier cost optimization and commercial negotiations.
• Strong financial analysis skills (ROI, TCO).

Responsibilities

• Lead product teardowns, benchmarking, and supplier workshops to identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for material substitution, weight reduction, process improvements, and component cost optimization.
• Partner with Purchasing and suppliers to uncover savings across the supply chain, including raw materials and processes.
• Develop financial business cases for cost-reduction initiatives, evaluating ROI, TCO, tooling and modification costs, and payback.
• Lead supplier negotiations and cross-functional discussions to implement cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality to validate changes and ensure performance and quality.
• Manage a portfolio of VAVE projects from concept through approval, testing, and production.
• Establish milestones, track savings, monitor progress, and ensure on-time completion.
• Identify risks, resolve roadblocks, and keep stakeholders informed of progress and results.
• Present cost-reduction opportunities and financial results to management.

Skills

Cost optimization

Value Engineering (VAVE)

Supplier negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business

Job description

An established automotive manufacturing organization is seeking a VAVE / Cost Optimization lead to drive purchasing-focused value analysis and value engineering initiatives. This individual will work closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and suppliers to identify product cost-reduction opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and drive savings from concept through implementation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in automotive purchasing, supplier cost management, strategic sourcing, or value engineering who enjoys finding creative ways to reduce product costs while maintaining quality and performance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead product teardowns, competitive benchmarking, and supplier workshops to identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for material substitution, weight reduction, manufacturing process improvements, and component cost optimization.
• Partner with Purchasing and suppliers to uncover cost savings throughout the supply chain, including raw materials and manufacturing processes.
• Develop financial business cases for cost-reduction initiatives, evaluating ROI, total cost of ownership, tooling expenses, modification costs, and payback periods.
• Lead supplier negotiations and cross-functional discussions to evaluate and implement cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality to validate proposed changes and ensure product performance and quality standards are maintained.
• Manage a portfolio of VAVE projects from initial concept through approval, testing, and production implementation.
• Establish project milestones, track savings, monitor progress, and ensure initiatives are completed on schedule.
• Identify project risks, resolve roadblocks, and keep stakeholders informed of progress and results.
• Present cost-reduction opportunities, project status, and financial results to management.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical or commercial field.
• 4–6 years of experience in purchasing, supplier cost management, value engineering, or cost-reduction initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with suppliers on cost optimization, sourcing strategies, and commercial negotiations.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, product components, materials, and cost drivers.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including ROI, total cost of ownership, and cost-benefit analysis.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and driving initiatives through implementation.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

• Direct purchasing, commodity management, or strategic sourcing experience.
• Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) methodologies.
• Experience leading product teardowns and competitive benchmarking.
• Supplier development and cost-reduction workshops.
• Experience with tooling costs, engineering changes, and product modifications.
• Value Engineering certification (CVS or VMA) is a plus.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Opportunity to directly influence product costs and profitability.
• High visibility across Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and supplier organizations.
• Work on strategic cost-reduction initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact on business performance.