Cost Improvement Specialist

Job Title: Cost Improvement Specialist

Company: AISIN World Corp. of America

Department: Strategic Cost & Profit Management, VA/VE SSA

Location: Northville, MI

Position Summary

This position will function to support cost improvement initiatives across internal teams and supplier partners. The role will be focused on identifying, developing, and executing cost-saving opportunities throughout the product lifecycle.

Position Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:

• Manage the VA (Value Analysis) / SSA (Smart Standard Activity) Activity, both internally and externally:

• Gather data from the Customers/suppliers to disseminate targets.

• Collect customer scorecards and report real-time status to Executives. Develop and help maintain supplier scorecards working with purchasing team.

• Work with AISIN Japan to summarize and roll-up concepts applicable to North America (NA) and work with the NA Design, Sales and Purchasing group to submit.

• Collaborate with NA Design and Manufacturing groups to collect ideas and track submissions by Sales to the customers.

• Collaborate with Purchasing and Manufacturing groups to collect ideas and track submissions by suppliers.

• Monitor payments from customers to ensure proper receipt and match the submissions.

• Monitor payments to suppliers to ensure proper receipt and match the submissions.

• Work with Purchasing to develop and manage the VA system for the AISIN supply base in NA.

• Identify weaknesses within the current process and develop Kaizen items to improve.

• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Ability to manage and oversee projects working cross functionally across various departments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent collaboration, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Review and interpret technical specifications and 2D drawings.

Beneficial Skills and Experience

• Bi-lingual in Japanese and English.

Education/Training/Certifications

• Bachelors degree preferred