Project Cost Performance Specialist

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

Job summary

Stellantis in Auburn, AL is seeking a Project Cost Performance Specialist to optimize Total Production Cost (TPC) across the product development lifecycle. You will consolidate forecasts, support project teams in meeting cost targets, and guide on components and vehicle adaptation costs.

As a partner to engineering, finance, program management and cost engineering, you will analyze trends, drive cost reduction opportunities, and ensure profitability from concept through SOP and mass production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or business with 5+ years forecasting experience.
• Experience in cost analysis, product costing, or manufacturing finance.
• Understanding of vehicle systems and product development lifecycle.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead consolidation and management of Total Production Cost forecasts from project initiation through Start of Production (SOP) and mass production.
• Provide cost guidance to project teams and monitor cost performance.
• Drive Design-to-Cost initiatives and cross-functional reviews.
• Develop Should-Cost models with Cost Engineering teams.
• Deliver cost performance reporting to leadership and key stakeholders.

Skills

Forecasting & budgeting

Cost analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel proficiency

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Electrical Eng or Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Excel

Cost management tools

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.

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.

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 of Science degree in Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering or Accounting/Finance/Business
• 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.