Cost Engineering Lead – India

Position PurposeLead cost engineering and cost optimization activities for the India business, working closely with the HQ Cost Engineering team, which leads the overall cost engineering methodology and product development activities.The role is responsible for applying HQ's Should Cost methodology, cost benchmarks and tools to the India business, while identifying and driving India-specific opportunities across supplier costs, localization, manufacturing and supply chain.The role will act as the key interface between HQ Cost Engineering and the India business, ensuring HQ cost initiatives are effectively implemented in India and that India supplier, manufacturing and market insights are fed back to HQ.Key Responsibilities1. India Cost Engineering & Cost TransparencyLead cost engineering activities for the India business in alignment with HQ methodology and standards.Establish and maintain transparent cost information for products, components, suppliers and manufacturing activities in India.Consolidate and analyze cost data and variances to identify cost gaps and optimization opportunities.Benchmark India costs against HQ benchmarks, other regions, suppliers and external market data.Identify areas where India costs are above benchmark and develop actions to improve competitiveness.Provide timely and fact-based cost analysis to support business decisions.2. Should Cost & Cost AnalysisApply HQ-developed Should Cost methodology and tools to India products, components and sourcing activities.Work with the HQ Cost Engineering team on the development and application of Should Cost models.Analyze supplier quotations and cost structures against Should Cost and market benchmarks.Identify key cost drivers and challenge supplier cost assumptions.Support India Procurement in supplier negotiations and sourcing decisions through fact-based cost analysis.Provide India supplier, manufacturing and market intelligence to HQ to strengthen global cost models and benchmarks.3. Cost Reduction & VAVETranslate HQ cost reduction targets and initiatives into India-specific actions and projects.Identify additional cost reduction opportunities arising from supplier sourcing, localisation, manufacturing processes and supply chain optimization.Lead and coordinate India cost reduction initiatives from opportunity identification through implementation.Work with Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain and other functions to ensure savings are delivered on time and to target.Track and validate cost reduction benefits and report progress, risks and gaps to India management and HQ.Support VAVE initiatives led by HQ and identify opportunities that can be implemented within the India business.4. Supplier & Localization Cost OptimizationAnalyze India supplier cost structures, including material, labour, manufacturing, overhead and other key cost drivers.Support Procurement in supplier cost negotiations using Should Cost, benchmarking and cost analysis.Assess supplier competitiveness and identify opportunities for alternative sourcing, supplier development and cost optimization.Support India localization initiatives by evaluating the cost competitiveness of local versus imported components.Identify opportunities to optimize sourcing, logistics and supply chain structures.Identify supplier and cost risks and develop mitigation actions in coordination with Procurement and HQ.5. Manufacturing Cost OptimizationPartner with India Manufacturing and Operations teams to identify opportunities to reduce material, labour, conversion, overhead and process costs.Analyze manufacturing processes and cost drivers to identify productivity and efficiency improvements.Support cost optimization of local manufacturing processes, including welding, stamping, fabrication and other relevant processes.Work with Finance to validate cost savings and ensure realized benefits are reflected in the appropriate cost base.6. HQ–India Cost Engineering InterfaceAct as the primary India interface with the HQ Cost Engineering team.Implement HQ cost engineering processes, standards, tools and methodologies within India.Coordinate with HQ on Should Cost models, cost benchmarks, cost targets and major cost reduction initiatives.Provide HQ with India supplier, manufacturing and market intelligence.Escalate significant cost gaps, supplier issues and cost risks to HQ and India management.Share successful India cost optimization initiatives with HQ for potential application across other markets.7. Cross-functional Business PartnershipWork closely with Procurement, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering and Finance to improve cost competitiveness.Build cost awareness and promote fact-based cost decision-making across the India organization.Provide cost analysis to support sourcing, localization, manufacturing and investment decisions.Apply Should Cost, VAVE, ROCE and financial analysis where appropriate.Challenge existing cost structures and assumptions constructively and drive agreed actions through to completion.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree or above in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain Management or a related discipline.8+ years of relevant experience in cost engineering, manufacturing cost management, procurement, supply chain or related areas.At least 3 years of experience in procurement cost management, supplier cost analysis or cost optimization, preferably in wind power, renewable energy or complex equipment manufacturing.Strong understanding of supplier cost structures, manufacturing processes and cost drivers.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable business recommendations.Advanced proficiency in Excel and familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems.Proven experience leading cost reduction, VAVE, supplier optimization or manufacturing cost improvement projects.Strong cross-functional leadership, communication, influencing and negotiation skills.Ability to work effectively with international HQ teams and local India stakeholders.Good written and spoken English.Willingness to travel domestically and internationally when required.Preferred QualificationsExperience working with a global / HQ Cost Engineering organization.Experience implementing Should Cost methodology or a cost management system within a local business.Experience in wind turbines, renewable energy or complex equipment manufacturing.