Value Analysis and Value Engineering Manager

Position Overview:

K&N Engineering is seeking a highly motivated, organized and results-driven Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) Manager for our team. This position is responsible for leading initiatives that reduce product cost while maintaining or improving its function, performance, and quality. This role involves collaboration across departments and driving continuous improvement efforts to enhance product value and business profitability. 

Responsibilities

• Cost reduction and value optimization: Identify, prioritize, and implement projects that reduce costs in existing products and processes. Conduct cost-benefit analyses and competitive benchmarking to find cost-saving opportunities.
• Project management: Drive VAVE projects from initial idea generation and technical assessment through implementation and closure, ensuring they stay on schedule and within budget. Manage workloads and allocate resources as needed.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders across departments, including manufacturing, procurement, and finance, to ensure that value improvement strategies align with company goals.
• Team leadership and mentorship: Lead, mentor, and provide technical guidance to cross functional teams and support staff.
• Supplier collaboration: Partner with suppliers to explore alternative materials, components, and manufacturing processes that could offer cost savings.
• Documentation and reporting: Document engineering changes and maintain accurate records. Report on the financial impact of VAVE initiatives, including cost savings and ROI, to senior management.
• Process improvement: Promote and integrate lean methodologies, like Design for Manufacturing (DFM), into VAVE processes to boost efficiency. 

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: A bachelor's degree in an engineering field; mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering preferred.
• Experience: Requires several years of experience in engineering, sourcing or manufacturing role, with a strong background in VAVE methodologies and successful cost-reduction projects.
• Technical skills: Strong technical knowledge of product design, manufacturing processes, and cost analysis methods. Expertise with CAD software and other relevant engineering tools is preferred.
• Analytical skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify potential cost reductions and develop innovative solutions.
• Leadership skills: Demonstrated leadership skills to effectively guide cross-functional teams and drive projects to completion.
• Communication skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with stakeholders and present findings to management.

Additional Work Information

• This position will be primarily remote but incumbent must be able to get to one of our work sites in CA or TX with little notice and no travel; therefore, general locations for hire are Riverside, CA; Corona, CA; or Grand Prairie, TX.
• This position will require approximately 10% travel
• This position will work a standard schedule, Monday-Friday

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.