We are looking for a Senior Product Analyst – Cost Optimization (Design\-to\-Cost) to join our Global Total Cost team. In this strategic role, you will be the key link in cost efficiency management, leading Design\-to\-Cost initiatives from pre\-program stages through to new product launches. Your focus will be on critical components such as driveline systems — Halfshafts, Driveshaft, and Front and Rear Axles ("Beam/Non\-Beam/eBeam Axles") — and eventually extending to Suspension, Brake, and Steering Systems. Working closely with global teams in Procurement, Product Development, and Finance, you will act as a trusted technical analyst, identifying and implementing significant opportunities for cost reduction and improved efficiency across all phases of the product lifecycle. The Senior Product Analyst will be responsible for coordinating cost efficiency improvements during the new vehicle development cycle, covering stages from pre\-program to launch. The focus is on ensuring cost alignment with program targets through factual analysis and leadership of cross-functional initiatives. **Mandatory Skills and Competencies** The ideal candidate must possess a strong combination of analytical, interpersonal, and management skills: * **Analytical Skills:** Ability to analyze complex data and financial metrics to make decisions that improve the efficiency of systems and parts used in vehicles. * **Communication Skills:** Strong ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. * **Negotiation Skills:** Expertise in negotiating with engineering, finance, suppliers, and buyers to ensure optimal cost decisions without compromising performance or quality. * **Project Management:** Proven competence in managing complex projects involving multiple teams and regions. * **Language:** **Fluent English (written and spoken) is mandatory.** The position requires full communication in English across all activities, including emails, meetings, and presentations to global senior leadership. **Preferred Qualifications (Desirable)** * **Technology Adoption:** Ability to implement or use advanced technologies such as **Artificial Intelligence (AI)** and **Machine Learning (** ***Machine Learning*** **)** to automate and enhance cost management processes. **Key Responsibilities** The role requires leadership in cost optimization processes and data governance: * **Cost Loop Leadership:** Responsible for planning and conducting *Cost Loop* events (agenda, *pre\-work* , decisions, and *deliverables* ), aligning costs with program *target*. * **Cost and Baseline Management:** Maintain and manage cost baselines ( *BOM/surrogates* vs. program intent, *piece price* , logistics, tooling, and *overhead* ). * **Technical Analysis and Support:** Understand and support the development of cost estimates ( *should\-cost* ), commodity-based analyses, and support engineering proposals ( *VA/VE* \- *Value Analysis/Value Engineering* ). * **Opportunity Identification:** Conduct *benchmarking/tear\-down* to map saving opportunities and identify cost risks. * **Negotiation Support:** Support the Procurement team by providing *fact\-based* analyses during negotiations and sourcing scenarios. * **Management and Reporting:** Manage action trackers (owners, deadlines, status), consolidate, and report cost status from pre\-program through launch to functional teams and leadership. * **Data Governance:** Ensure data governance, version control, and compliance with internal processes (e.g., PEL/GPDS). * **Automation:** Automate and visualize data using advanced tools (advanced Excel/Power Query/Power BI) and prepare concise decision-making packages.