Job Summary:  

The DirectorofValue Analysis & Engineering (VAE) is responsible for driving enterprise value through the strategic application of value engineering analysis methodologies and advanced analytics using generative AI techniques.  This role leads a high‑impactteamof engineers, partnering across operations,manufacturing technology, R&Dand supply chain stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and implement initiatives that optimize cost, quality, outcomes, and performance.

The role serves as both a strategic advisor and change leader,leveragingvalue engineering practices to maximize product, process, or project value while minimizing costs. The position drives local and enterprise-wide improvements through shop-floor technology innovations, productivity, and optimized design for Front-End Loading of capital projects.

This leaderestablishesthe value engineeringroadmap, governs portfolio performance, mentors and develops team capability, and influences senior leadership through clear, actionable recommendations.  Success requires strong change leadership, experience with generative AI techniques, the ability to translate analytics into impact, and a commitment to building a culture of continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Value & Cost Reduction Leadership

• Lead the enterprisevalue engineeringstrategy focused on optimizingraw materials, formulations, components, and manufacturing processes to deliver significant, sustainable cost reductions

• Own the value pipeline for material and process initiatives, prioritizing opportunities based onfinancial impact, feasibility, supply risk, and operational readiness

• Partner withexecutiveleadership to alignVAVEinitiatives to business strategy, margin improvement goals, and growth plans

Raw Material & Supplier Value Optimization

• Drive value analysis of raw materials, including material substitution, specification optimization, grade rationalization, and alternative sourcing strategies

• Collaborate with Procurement and Suppliers toidentifycost‑downopportunities through should‑costmodeling, AI‑drivenbenchmarking, and innovation partnerships

• ImplementAI‑supportedtools for predictive cost modeling, scenario analysis, supplier performance evaluation, and demand‑drivenmaterial optimization

• Evaluate supplier proposals andcost‑reductionprograms using total cost of ownership, lifecycle cost, and risk‑adjustedvalue frameworks

• Lead governance for material changes, ensuring performance, quality, and regulatory requirements aremaintainedor improved

Manufacturing Process Improvement

• Leadcross‑functionalefforts to optimizemanufacturing processes, including yield improvement, cycle time reduction, scrap and waste elimination, and energy efficiency

• Apply value engineering, Lean, Six Sigma, andAI‑enabledanalytics to identifyroot causes of cost and performance variation

• Drive standardization and simplification of processes, formulations, andbill‑of‑materialsacross sites where appropriate

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, andManufacturing Technology, and R&Dteams to enable scalable, sustainable process improvements

Change Leadership & Adoption

• Act as a strong change leader to drive adoption of material and process changes across manufacturing sites and functions

• Lead stakeholder engagement, communication, and risk mitigation forhigh‑impactcost‑reductioninitiatives

• Build credibility and alignment with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership to ensure implementation success

• Anticipate and manage resistance, ensuring changes are practical,well‑understood, and operationally sustainable

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop ahigh‑performingVAE team focused on materials, manufacturing, and process engineering

• Establish best practices, standards, and tools for value analysis and value engineering across the team

• Build AI literacy and analytical capability within the team to elevate outcomes and productivity

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement,data‑driventhinking, and innovation

Performance Tracking & Value Realization

• Establish KPIs to track cost savings, cost avoidance, productivity gains, and value realization

• Ensure savings arevalidatedwith Finance and sustained through governance, monitoring, and controls

• Report clear, transparent results and progress to senior and executive leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering,Computer/Data Science,MBAor AI Business Masters 

• 15+ years of experiencein Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Computer Science related field

• Proven experience with Advanced AI and analytics leadership, including experience sponsoring or deployingAI‑enabledcost modeling, process optimization, and decision‑supportcapabilities across the enterprise

• Enterprise manufacturing leadership experiencewith a proven record of delivering large‑scale,multi‑sitecost transformation across raw materials, formulations, components, and core manufacturing processes

• Recognized authority in Value Analysisand Value Engineering, with deepexpertiseapplying Lean, Six Sigma, and engineering principles to drive sustained margin improvement at scale

• Executive‑levelchange leadership, withdemonstratedsuccess influencing senior leaders, plant leadership, and cross‑functionalexecutives to adopt complex material, supplier, and processchanges

• Peopleand portfolio leadership at scale, including leading managers or senior professionals, setting strategy, and governing ahigh‑valueinitiative portfolio with accountability for results

• Strong P&L ownership mindset and financial acumen, with the ability to translate material and process decisions into measurable margin improvement,long‑termvalue creation, and competitive advantage. 

• Drives growth through a relentless pursuit of new and better ways of working and accelerates value creation by embracing calculated risk-taking and rapid adaptation.

• Creates an environment that embraces our core values. Understands how to motivate, develop, and get the most out oftalent within theorganizations.

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