NPD & Cost Optimization Specialist - Chattanooga, United States - Komatsu

Description

Komatsu is an indispensable partner to the construction, mining, forestry, forklift, and industrial machinery markets, maximizing value for customers through innovative solutions. With a diverse line of products supported by our advanced IoT technologies, regional distribution channels, and a global service network, we tap into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. Komatsu supports a myriad of markets, including housing, infrastructure, water, pipeline, minerals, automobile, aerospace, electronics and medical, through its many brands and subsidiaries, including TimberPro, Joy, P&H, Montabert, Modular Mining Systems, Hensley Industries, NTC, and Gigaphoton.

Job Overview

• Primary sourcing liaison for New Product Development initiatives, New Business Development, and other regionally related product enhancement initiatives. Support sourcing strategies, policies, procedures, and provide support with the sourcing selection process. Initiate and manage RFI's, RFP's, and RFQ's for NPD and work closely with Category Managers to make recommendations for sourcing.
• Understands and communicates forecast volumes for NPD. Interfaces with manufacturing on the scheduling / capabilities of production to meet requirements for the OE build and the global Aftermarket material needs.
• Lead cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, logistics, commercial, supply chain to assure all project targets are achieved (SLQDC).
• Liaison with Category Managers, Plant purchasing, and support negotiations as requested.
• Control and report plant MPV categories including Purchase Price variance (PPV), Tariff, Steel surcharge, exchange surcharge, freight variance.
• Develop and control cost estimation (VT1) and schedule for NPD.

Scope

• Purchasing, quality and delivery responsibility ~ $10M on a global purchase and/or global supply basis.
• Supplier deliveries impact OE and Aftermarket contracts and potential late delivery penalties. 1% to 5% contract price.
• $50k level of signature approval required to commit expenditure of company funds.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Implements the overall strategies and processes in the development / implementation for establishing the "extended enterprise" in procuring and negotiating with channel supply partners/customers.
• Responsible for the creation, innovation, and development of key Supply Chain initiatives to support New Product Development, Critical Component Sourcing, Region Localization, BCC, and Country of Source determination. Report out savings potentials at key meetings. Drive cost out and cost optimization initiatives.
• Achieve supply chain efficiencies, cost management, global utilization of inventories and capacities, optimize material/product movement, promote partnerships with suppliers and customers and as per the short- and long-term strategic initiatives.
• Conducts cost analysis – WCT, Theoretical cost calculations (should be cost).
• Perform industry research to identify qualified supplier candidates to meet business needs. Benchmark best in class suppliers. Work with Category Managers to make suggestions that support NPD/Cost Optimizations.
• Provide analytic techniques to support complex sourcing and supply chain projects.
• Ongoing evaluation of the supply base in the areas of market research, product quality, competitive pricing, capability, and capacity. Perform SWAT analysis.
• Review and adhere to project plans and provide regular reports and status updates to management.
• Creation and analysis of reports as specified by management.
• May be required to perform other related duties as required or assigned.
• Analyze, reconcile, and approve/reject OVC invoices related to Purchase Price variance (PPV), Tariff surcharge, Steel surcharge, Currency Exchange surcharge, Ocean / Air freight variance. Coordinate with plant accounting monthly to make accruals where necessary to ensure accurate plant financial statement.
• Analyze and report monthly cost transition of each current production model for SVC and OVC categories.
• Calculate Value Target (VT1) SVC for NPD products. Lead "Simultaneous Development Activity" with Design Engineering, Plant Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Manufacturing Engineering to continually reduce VT1 and increase manufacturing efficiency of new models. Report VT1 transition at each Milestone of standard KES development process: Proposal Evaluation Meeting; Commodity Evaluation Meeting; Development Plan Evaluation;

  Commercialization Plan Evaluation. Report progress to mother plant as necessary.

Qualifications/Requirements

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates will possess a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, or Business. An associate's degree in combination with relevant working experience in Purchasing, Materials, or Engineering background with a specialized knowledge on a focused group of commodities will be considered.
• Ability to make decisions and solve practical problems with a variety of variables in situations where standardization may be limited.
• Self-driven, results oriented, and motivated to work effectively without direct supervision.
• Ability to interpret technical data and a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• CPIM, CSCP or CPM Certification preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Must possess the ability to multi-task and work successfully in a multi-functional team.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and its partners.
• Knowledge of mining, heavy equipment, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to manage a project from inception to completion within constraints and deadlines.

Experience

• 5+ years of relevant working experience.
• Experience working in an ERP environment (SAP a plus).
• MS Office aptitude.

Technical Skills

• Strong Analytical/critical thinking skills to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of KMC products is desired but not necessary.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and Positive attitude.
• Strong relational skills, ability to work with all departments, fosters teamwork and a positive work environment.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Must be able to prioritize assignments.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with a strong focus on customer service.

Additional Information

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.