Senior Manager Project Procurement & Cost Engineering

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Manager Project Procurement & Cost Engineering based in the United States.

Take on a strategic leadership role at the intersection of procurement, engineering, and project management, driving cost optimization and supply chain performance across global product development initiatives. You will lead an international team of project buyers and material engineers, ensuring procurement activities are integrated early into development, transfer, localization, and product launch projects. Working closely with R&D, Engineering, Operations, and strategic suppliers, you will champion Design-to-Cost and Value Engineering initiatives that improve competitiveness without compromising quality or performance. You will also strengthen supplier collaboration, mitigate sourcing risks, and ensure procurement readiness throughout the product lifecycle. Through data-driven cost analysis, strategic negotiations, and performance monitoring, you will help accelerate project delivery and generate measurable business value. This opportunity is suited to an experienced leader who thrives in a dynamic, cross-functional, and international environment.

As Senior Manager Project Procurement & Cost Engineering, you will lead global procurement support for product development and lifecycle projects, aligning sourcing strategies with engineering requirements, cost targets, and business priorities. You will drive collaboration across functions and suppliers to improve product value, manage risks, and ensure successful project execution.

• Lead, develop, and support a global team of Project Buyers and Material Engineers working across product development and related projects.

• Establish and maintain procurement support processes for development, technology transfer, localization, redesign, and new product introduction initiatives.

• Ensure early supplier involvement to improve product costs, manufacturability, material availability, and project timelines.

• Lead cross-functional Design-to-Cost and Value Engineering initiatives in collaboration with R&D, Engineering, Operations, and strategic suppliers.

• Identify and implement design modifications, material substitutions, and technical alternatives that reduce costs while maintaining quality and performance standards.

• Develop and maintain should-cost models and detailed cost breakdown analyses to strengthen negotiations and improve product competitiveness.

• Support Engineering teams in assessing the commercial impact of design choices and technical changes.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate procurement and supply chain risks through design adaptations, supplier diversification, and alternative sourcing strategies.

• Collaborate with Commodity Management to leverage supplier innovation, market intelligence, and sourcing opportunities.

• Ensure timely supplier selection, nomination, and sourcing activities across new product introduction, transfer, and redesign projects.

• Ensure procurement readiness for product launches, transfers, and production ramp-ups.

• Monitor, analyze, and report procurement KPIs covering cost reductions, value engineering, project milestones, sourcing progress, risk mitigation, and overall business contribution.

• Track project procurement performance in terms of cost, timing, risks, and sourcing status, taking corrective action when necessary.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate combines substantial procurement or engineering experience with strong leadership capabilities, commercial expertise, and a proven ability to deliver complex projects in international environments. You should be comfortable navigating cross-functional priorities, influencing stakeholders, and using data to drive strategic decisions and measurable results.

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field; additional training in Supply Chain Management, Negotiation, or Project Management is an advantage.

• Between 9 and 12 years of relevant professional experience, including significant leadership responsibilities in international procurement, project management, or engineering environments.

• Native-level German proficiency and excellent English skills at C2 level, with the ability to communicate effectively in an international business setting.

• French language skills at A1 level are an additional advantage.

• Advanced proficiency in SAP and strong Microsoft Office skills, including familiarity with modern AI-enabled productivity tools.

• Solid experience in project management and change management, supported by outstanding negotiation skills and strong commercial acumen.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive, solution-oriented approach to complex challenges.

• Ability to work independently, take ownership of initiatives, and drive projects through to completion.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate across functions, manage conflicts constructively, and exchange feedback professionally.

• Resilience, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset, with the ability to perform effectively in dynamic and demanding environments.

• Strong teamwork and leadership skills, with the ability to develop people and align diverse stakeholders around shared objectives.

Benefits:

• Modern workplace on a newly built campus equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

• Continuous learning opportunities through an internal academy.

• Career development opportunities within a global organization.

• Flexible working hours and the option to work from home.

• 30 days of annual leave, plus additional special leave.

• Vacation and Christmas bonuses.

• Company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits.

• Complimentary hot beverages and water.

• JobRad bicycle leasing program and employee discounts.

• Access to nearby dining options and a subsidized company cafeteria.

• Company events and opportunities to connect with colleagues.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Discounted fitness membership through EGYM Wellpass.

• Subsidy for the Deutschland Ticket.

• Opportunity to work with an international, open, and forward-thinking team.