Cost Estimator

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint.

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of finance, sales, engineering, testing, and program management, and will serve as the location for the Cost Estimator.

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This role coordinates, directs and leads estimating efforts to ensure optimum costing and coordination of projects and programs to ensure HI-LEX meets customer expectations and manufacturing requirements.

• Works with functional departments to understand current BOM product costs, designs, specifications, manufacturing processes, and commodity market drivers
• Facilitate teamwork with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Sales
• Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of a service or product
• Preparing cost estimates for HI-LEX products using in-house costing tool CAXIOM.
• Migrating existing cost sheets from excel to CAXIOM costing format.
• Creating labor estimates for any project
• Compiling and recording actual costs
• Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders
• Capacity planning for equipment and tooling for all business opportunities.
• Ability to analyze statistical information, prepare, and present the data.
• Good knowledge and understanding of target cost and production cost calculations
• Very good understanding of the value-add process
• Liaison to support Value Management to meet department goals and objectives.
• Sound business and technical understanding of the automotive industry.
• Organizes meetings with multiple departments and plant personnel.
• Willingness to travel between HI-LEX facilities.
• Perform other duties as required.

• 4-year degree in engineering, finance, economics or equivalent; MBA or MS degree preferred.

• Familiarity with analyzing requirement data to develop material and cost estimates for large projects
• Expertise with analytic tools, such as spreadsheets and database managers
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents
• Strong customer service orientation
• Exceptional time management skills
• Autonomous, self-starter
• Ability to facilitate and support growth of team members
• Works effectively and productively with others
• Analytical Thinking
• Proficiency in mathematics, statistics and data analysis
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
• Report writing and strategic planning skills
• Minimum 1-3 years previous cost estimating experience, automotive industry background preferred.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time usually at a desk.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Occasional standing, walking reaching, and bending

• Mathematical skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Detail oriented. Analytical thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Strong overall leadership skills/interpersonal skills
• Superior planner and organizer
• Holds self personally accountable