The Capital Expenditure Claim Audit Manager is responsible for leading, supervising, and performing audits of supplier cancellation and change‑related claims involving capitalized assets and capital‑related cost exposures. This role provides both hands‑on audit execution and day‑to‑day leadership of CapEx claim auditors, while serving as a subject‑matter resource for complex, high‑value, or disputed claims. The Manager plays a critical role in CAPEX governance, including oversight of asset classification, fixed and labor cost authorization, and contract commitment controls. This individual partners closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Finance, and suppliers to ensure supplier claims are appropriately classified, authorized, supported, and contractually committed in accordance with Company policy and contractual requirements. In addition to supervising audit staff, the Manager is expected to independently perform audits, lead complex or escalated matters, review workpapers, ensure audit quality and consistency, and communicate results to management. Job Responsibilities:
Audit Leadership & Execution
Supervise, coach, and review the work of Capital Expenditure Claim Auditors
Independently perform audits of complex, high‑value, or high‑risk supplier claims
Ensure audits are executed consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with established methodologies and quality standards
Review and approve audit workpapers, evidence, and conclusions
Supplier Claim Audit & Validation
Lead and perform end‑to‑end audits of supplier cancellation and change‑related claims involving capitalized assets
Evaluate claims related to production tooling, manufacturing equipment, capitalized inventories, and other supplier‑held assets
Perform and oversee substantive testing to assess allowability, accuracy, and contractual compliance
Exercise professional judgment on disputed or ambiguous claim elements
CAPEX Governance & Controls
Evaluate compliance with CAPEX governance requirements, including:
Asset classification (capital vs. non‑capital)
Approved investment scope, timing, and thresholds
Fixed cost and labor cost authorization
Assess the effectiveness of contract commitment controls, including alignment with purchase orders, contracts, amendments, and termination provisions
Identify systemic issues, control gaps, or recurring risks and escalate as appropriate
On‑Site Verification & Stakeholder Engagement
Perform and oversee on‑site verification at supplier locations, including physical inspection of tooling, equipment, inventories, and capital assets
Lead interactions with suppliers on disputed claims and support fact‑based resolution discussions
Partner with Purchasing, Engineering, and Finance leadership on complex claim matters and escalations
Reporting & Management Communication
Prepare and review management‑level audit reports summarizing findings, conclusions, and recommended settlements
Communicate audit results, trends, and key risks to management and senior stakeholders
Support leadership in discussions related to claim resolution, provisioning, and governance improvements
Travel requirements up to 30%, focused primarily in the Midwest Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline
Minimum of seven years' experience in a related field (Audit, Finance, Purchasing, Capital Investment, Tooling, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or Cost Engineering)
Prior experience leading or supervising audit or analytical work, either formally or informally
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience leading audits or reviews involving supplier claims, capital expenditures, tooling, or fixed‑asset-related costs
Strong working knowledge of CAPEX governance, asset classification, and cost authorization controls
Solid understanding of commercial contracts and supplier commitments
Demonstrated ability to lead while remaining hands‑on in complex audit work
Strong project and people management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with management and external suppliers
Ability to exercise independent professional judgment in high‑risk, high‑value, or contentious situations