Cost Engineering Analyst

The Cost Engineering Analyst evaluates cost, commodity and market data to identify and set cost out goals, then coordinates and partners with cross functional teams to develop and execute cost out strategies using Cost Engineering tools, including but not limited to competitive bidding, presentation and negotiations materials, analysis on CTQ, consumer review, survey, assortment, should-cost, competitive, and demand transfer data.

What you'll do :

• Mine, combine and assess facts from 3rd party experts, publications, vendors and internal partners (Cat Mgmt, Finance, Domestic Merchants, Import Merchants, Pricing) to identify and prioritize cost engineering opportunities
• Monitor changes in commodity markets, industry shifts (M&A), product innovations to evaluate changes in negotiation gaps / leverage
• Use input cost models and price opportunity reporting to identify off-cycle cost out opportunities
• Synthesize product, assortment, competitive and market research into actionable insights and opportunities for cost negotiations through the Cost Engineering process
• Review spend data to help prioritize areas of focus
• Research cost drivers across various industries, vendors and products
• Learn the key metrics, CTQ, features and drivers for different product categories
• Leverage consumer data / reviews, surveys, interviews and pilot programs to test assumptions and assess brand value
• Use demand transfer data and margin impact models to evaluate assortment updates impacts, quantify negotiation tradeoffs (carrots and sticks) and prioritize recommendations for merchants
• Identify inconsistencies in vendor pricing architecture to demonstrate the need for cost concessions
• Incorporate merchant expertise and context into analysis to account for nuance and real-world factors
• Serve as an independent, unbiased thought contributor capable of using data to make recommendations others may have overlooked and to influence cross-functional stakeholders
• Track project milestones and resolve roadblocks to ensure project timelines stay on track
• Coordinate and host recurring category team meetings to investigate opportunities, assess vendor bids and craft negotiation strategies
• Maintain a repository of facts, analysis, dashboards, charts and findings for respective projects
• Conduct negotiation training and mock negotiations
• Author materials for and participate in vendor negotiations using fact-based analysis
• Manage line review bid process using eRFx platform (program creation, coding scenarios, impact analysis, troubleshoot issues, coordinate vendor communications, track and report on progress)
• Employ analytics tools (eRFx, Alteryx, Power BI, Excel, Databricks) to evaluate bid scenarios, calculate cost savings and profit margin impacts
• Efficiently run detailed financial analysis for scenario testing and cost out projections
• Provide recurring performance and execution updates
• Refine should-cost models and commodity insights, establish cost out goals, and identify margin growth prospects
• Accumulate expertise and insights on raw material markets and manufacturing processes
• Manage list of negotiation tactics in Merchandising Leverage Library
• Introduce and drive CE best practices; lead continuous improvement of analytic tools, methodologies, and visualization for the CE team
• Help refine and enhance cost reporting in Power BI
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Category Management, Finance and Pricing
• Advice on the differences in commodity prices and manufacturing processes
• Occasionally perform Ace and competitor product tear downs

What you will need :

Experience : Minimum of 3-5 years' prior work experience, ideally in some of the following fields :

Education : Bachelor's degree or graduate degree preferred

#LI-JK1

Compensation Details :

$86700 - $108500 per year

Why should you join our team?

We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don't often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand.

In addition to providing our employees a great culture, Ace also offers competitive benefits

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We want to hear from you!

When most people think of career opportunities with Ace Hardware, they often think of the helpful cashiers and sales associates at their local store. However, have you also considered the people behind the scenes who select, promote, ship and process the invoices for more than 75,000 products? Maybe you haven't, but we'd like you to. Because together we help our customers take care of their homes. Come find out why a career with the Ace Hardware Corporation is one of America's best kept secrets.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ace Hardware Corporation is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. The company is committed to the prevention of employment discrimination related to race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state / local laws.

Disclaimer

The pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but could be higher based on education and experience. Please note, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as an individual's education, training and experience, the position's work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.

Be aware that salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Ace position description for the accurate starting pay range information and feel free to discuss this with a Talent Acquisition professional if you are chosen to move forward with an interview.

This written "Position Description" is not intended to cover all aspects of the position listed. It is meant to cover the basic / general essential job functions of a particular position. Ace Hardware Corporation reserves the right to change job duties, including essential job functions, according to business necessity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.