Senior Specialist/Product Owner -Mechanical Costing

We are seeking an accomplished Should Costing Senior Specialist / Manager to lead the global costing function, drive advanced value engineering programs, and provide strategic cost leadership. The role demands a combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership to influence design, supplier selection, and Purchasing strategies at a senior level.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the organization’s Should Costing strategy across commodities and global supplier base.
• Lead complex cost estimation, benchmarking, and teardown studies for high-value components, systems, and assemblies.
• Partner with engineering and purchasing leadership to integrate design-to-cost principles in early product development.
• Own and deliver cost transparency initiatives that directly support supplier negotiations and strategic Purchasing.
• Drive enterprise-wide value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) programs to achieve cost competitiveness.
• Establish standard costing methodologies, tools, and best practices across teams.
• Engage with executive stakeholders to present cost insights, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high performing Should Costing team; develop talent pipelines and ensure capability building.
• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams to align cost strategies with business and product roadmaps.
• Support long-term cost competitiveness planning, market intelligence, and supplier development programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep expertise in multiple manufacturing technologies (machining, casting, sheet metal, plastics, electronics, automation, etc.).
• Proven track record in strategic cost leadership and global supplier collaboration.
• Strong capability in advanced cost modeling, cost benchmarking, and teardown/clean-sheet analysis.
• Business acumen to balance cost, quality, and delivery with organizational strategy.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills.
• Proficiency in cost modeling tools, advanced MS Excel, PLM/ERP systems; CAD knowledge preferred.
• Experience managing and scaling cross-functional/global teams.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Production / Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
• 13–17 years of progressive experience in Should Costing, Cost Engineering, VA/VE, or Strategic Procurement.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing large-scale cost programs and cross-functional initiatives.
• Exposure to global markets, supplier ecosystems, and multi-region cost competitiveness programs.

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on www.kone.com/careers