Manager Cost Engineering - Plastics & Rubber

True ValueHub is an AI-native B2B SaaS solution for manufacturing companies. We help manufacturing companies save costs on direct material procurement. Our AI engine provides visibility into the true cost of manufacturing products and components globally and reduces sourcing cycle time and new product introduction time to market. We provide detailed total landed cost insights for buyers and suppliers and a secure collaboration platform. Our award-winning technology has been rated as a leading solution in our segment.

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Manager Cost Engineering - Plastics & Rubber to support cost engineering activities for the Plastics category. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Thermoplastic & Thermoset manufacturing processes, including Injection Molding, Compression Molding, Transfer Molding, Blow Molding, Rotational Molding, Vacuum Forming, Painting, Plastic Tooling, and associated costing methodologies. This role is responsible for developing, calibrating, and continuously improving the Plastic & Rubber cost module to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and automation. The candidate should possess strong knowledge of should-cost methodologies, plastic manufacturing processes, and the macroeconomic, microeconomic, and supply chain factors impacting the plastics industry. Hands-on shop floor experience, combined with strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills, will be essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities :

Costing and Analysis

• Drive cost evaluations for various plastic processes, including Injection, Compression, Transfer, Blow Molding, Roto Molding, Vacuum Forming, Tooling, and all related costing methodologies.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost models in our costing solution tailored to industry-specific requirements, such as automotive, aerospace, industrial, appliances, and medical industries.
• Identify key cost drivers and provide actionable insights for cost reduction through VA/VE, alternate manufacturing processes and material selection, and process improvements.

Client and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support and contribute to client engagements, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of client initiatives and programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development/engineering, to address client requirements for the Plastic category.
• Act as a subject-matter resource on plastic cost engineering for internal teams and clients.

Team Contribution and Mentorship

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior cost engineers as needed.
• Review and validate costing analyses prepared by team members to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Process Improvement

• Apply cost engineering best practices across different Plastic methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost transparency.
• Contribute to the accuracy, automation, and continuous improvement of the True ValueHub solution for the plastic module.

Industry Awareness

• Stay current on industry trends and technological advancements in plastics to identify opportunities for solution enhancements and efficiency.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Polymers / Plastics / Mechanical, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in cost engineering, with a focus on plastic processes across multiple industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in various Plastic & Rubber methods, including Injection, Compression, Transfer, Blow Molding, Roto Molding, Vacuum Forming, Tooling, and all related costing methodologies.
• Prior experience mentoring or guiding junior team members is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of plastic & Rubber materials, techniques, and cost drivers.
• Proficiency in cost modeling tools, software, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with industry standards and certifications in plastic processes (e.g., ASME, ASTM, ISO).

Other Skills

• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset and interpersonal skills.

Key Competencies

• Solid working knowledge across multiple industries and plastic technologies.
• Ability to adapt to diverse plastic technologies and applications.
• Good business acumen with an understanding of cost structures and market trends.
• Collaborative, detail-oriented, and delivery-focused mindset.