Project Cost Performance Specialist

Stellantis; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Generous Health & Well‑being Coverage

17+ paid holidays and vacation/Well‑be

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan refinancing programs

Volunteer hours

Job summary

Stellantis seeks a Project Cost Performance Specialist to drive cost optimization across the product development lifecycle. You will consolidate Total Production Cost forecasts, guide design-to-cost efforts, and provide data‑driven insights to executive leadership.

Partnering with engineering, finance, program management, and cost engineering, you will influence decisions and identify cost-reduction opportunities from concept to production and beyond.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
• 5+ years of Forecasting/budgeting experience.
• Strong experience in cost analysis, product costing, manufacturing finance, program controls, or related disciplines.
• Understanding of vehicle systems, powertrain technologies, manufacturing processes, and product development lifecycle.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and technical data.
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive performance through collaboration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, business case development, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and cost management/reporting tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the consolidation and management of Total Production Cost forecasts from project initiation through SOP and mass production.
• Ensure cost forecasts remain accurate and aligned with project scope, design evolution, and business objectives.
• Perform cost assessments during early development phases using preliminary product and program inputs.
• Analyze and benchmark TPC performance against established vehicle targets and comparable programs.
• Serve as the primary cost performance contact for project teams, providing guidance and insights.
• Monitor production cost performance throughout the product lifecycle and develop forward‑looking cost projections.

Skills

Forecasting/Budgeting

Cost Analysis

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly analytical and collaborative Project Cost Performance Specialist to drive cost optimization and profitability throughout the product development lifecycle. This role is responsible for consolidating and managing Total Production Cost (TPC) forecasts, supporting project teams in achieving cost targets, and providing strategic guidance on components and vehicle adaptation costs.The role also leverages AI-enabled tools to manage and consolidate cost data, enhance analysis and identify actionable cost-reduction opportunities.

As a key partner to engineering, finance, program management, and cost engineering teams, you will influence critical business decisions, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure project profitability objectives are achieved from concept development through production launch and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

Total Production Cost (TPC) Management & Forecasting

• Lead the consolidation and management of Total Production Cost forecasts from project initiation through Start of Production (SOP) and mass production.
• Ensure cost forecasts remain accurate and aligned with project scope, design evolution, and business objectives.
• Perform cost assessments during early development phases using preliminary product and program inputs.
• Analyze and benchmark TPC performance against established vehicle targets and comparable programs.
• Serve as the primary cost performance contact for project teams, providing guidance, insights, and challenge where necessary.
• Monitor production cost performance throughout the product lifecycle and develop forward‑looking cost projections using key business drivers, including commodity trends, foreign exchange forecasts, and operational efficiency initiatives.

Design‑to‑Cost Leadership

• Drive Design‑to‑Cost activities from advanced development through tooling release and program execution.
• Facilitate recurring cross‑functional reviews that support informed decision‑making and cost convergence.
• Ensure Design‑to‑Cost methodologies and best practices are fully integrated within project development processes.
• Identify and promote cost reduction opportunities by leveraging product, industry, and market knowledge.
• Collaborate with engineering and program stakeholders to balance cost, quality, performance, and customer expectations.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools to manage and consolidate cost data, detect cost drivers and anomalies, and identify, quantify and prioritize cost‑reduction opportunities.

Cost Target Development & Competitive Benchmarking

• Support the establishment of competitive production cost targets based on industry benchmarking and market analysis.
• Partner with Cost Engineering teams to develop robust Should‑Cost models and cost‑saving strategies.
• Provide data‑driven insights and recommendations that support target‑setting activities and business case development.
• Track progress toward cost objectives and engage stakeholders to proactively address gaps and drive corrective actions.
• Challenge and support project teams in achieving alignment between production costs and financial targets.

Financial Governance & Process Excellence

• Ensure compliance with established financial, accounting, and cost management standards.
• Support profitability assessments and business case evaluations in partnership with finance and commercial teams.
• Develop, standardize, and continuously improve cost forecasting methodologies, processes, and reporting tools.
• Provide clear and actionable cost performance reporting to leadership and key stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration or a related field
• A minimum of 5 years of Forecasting/budgeting experience
• Strong experience in cost analysis, product costing, manufacturing finance, program controls, or related disciplines.
• Understanding of vehicle systems, powertrain technologies, manufacturing processes, and product development lifecycle.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and technical data.
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive performance through collaboration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, business case development, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and cost management/reporting tools preferred.

Our Benefits — Designed with You in Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well‑being Coverage
From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage — ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.

Generous Paid Time Off
We believe in work‑life balance. That's why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut‑down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans
We help you plan for the future with:

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch‑Up plans
• An employer contribution, even if you don't contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options
Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs — because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program
Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Family Building Benefit
We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back
We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!
When you join us, you're not just building a career — you're joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.