VAVE Lead: Automotive Value Engineering & Cost Savings

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

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.