Integration Manager

We are seeking a Cost & Supplier Integration Manager to serve as the key link between Engineering, Purchasing, and Suppliers
. This role will lead value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), supplier collaboration, cost engineering, and cost-reduction initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be able to translate engineering concepts into practical sourcing strategies while considering manufacturability, supplier capabilities, quality, supply continuity, and total cost.

• Act as the primary integrator between Engineering, Purchasing, and Suppliers for VA/VE initiatives.
• Engage suppliers early in product design to address cost, manufacturability, and supplier capabilities.
• Partner with Engineering to identify unnecessary complexity, over-specification, and cost.
• Work with suppliers and engineering teams to co-develop products and components.
• Identify alternative materials, manufacturing processes, and design improvements to reduce cost.
• Build strong supplier relationships and support continuous improvement.
• Evaluate total cost of ownership, including piece price, tooling, capital investment, freight, duties, lead time, inventory, risk, and lifecycle costs.
• Lead supplier cost-breakdown analysis to identify and eliminate cost drivers.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through process simplification, cycle-time reduction, and elimination of non-value-added activities.
• Work directly with suppliers and shop-floor operations to identify inefficiencies and practical cost improvements.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Suppliers to implement lean and efficient processes.
• Track and report VA/VE savings from concept through implementation.
• Develop metrics and dashboards to monitor cost targets and the VA/VE pipeline.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of cost-reduction opportunities across existing and new products.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of buying or sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and total cost of ownership.
• Experience evaluating supplier pricing beyond piece price.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and supplier quality processes
  .
• Experience working with domestic and international suppliers.
• Strong understanding of cost analysis and supplier management.

• Experience with manufacturing processes and materials such as:
• Metals
• Rubber
• Machining
• Castings
• Experience working as a liaison between Engineering and Supply Chain.
• Previous experience with VA/VE or cost-reduction initiatives.
• Ability to read mechanical blueprints.
• ISO auditor training and/or Lean experience.
• Knowledge of CE and TUV requirements
  .

The ideal candidate is a hands-on sourcing/cost engineering professional who understands manufacturing, can work closely with suppliers and engineers, and can identify practical opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality, performance, or supply continuity
.