The opportunity

Polestar is looking for a Cost Reduction Engineer who will also manage our sustainability / LCA portfolio for exteriors, both areas enhance our vehicle portfolio and the value proposition to our customers.

The exterior styling of a Polestar is our design expression and ultimately the first point that appeals to the customer.

The Exterior team is tasked to deliver this styling vision from concept to a viable production vehicle, with a technical and engineering decisiveness for materials and manufacturing processes. 

As part of the Product Cost Management (PCM) and Global Sustainability team, this role will continue to deliver our customer expectations whilst reducing and eventually eliminating our environmental impact.

Cost and Sustainability go hand in hand, they are both a key in driving factor in all new product creations through continued efficiency of the current designs and new technologies, materials and processes.

You will report directly to the exterior Chief Engineer and to the global PCM team and work in close collaboration with our core R&D team and central sustainability contact for the UK.

Attitude is everything at Polestar, and for this role we seek candidates with energy and enthusiasm to help us drive cost optimisation activities across all our vehicles. 

Strong project management and presentation skills are paramount.

The Responsibilities

Manage Cost Analysis Portfolio

• Conduct thorough analyses of current vehicle costs, identifying opportunities for cost reduction
• Develop, implement, and oversee cost-saving initiatives without compromising vehicle quality and performance
• Collaborate with procurement to engage with suppliers in the negotiation of better commercial terms, reducing material and production costs
• Work closely with engineering, procurement, finance, and manufacturing teams to identify and execute cost reduction projects for Polestar
• Participate in design and engineering reviews to ensure cost efficiency is considered in the design and development of new vehicle models across functional domains
• Coordinate with the supply chain team to evaluate and select cost-effective materials and components for new vehicles and model year changes
• Regular reporting/presentations of the progress of cost save ideas to internal and external audiences
• Monitor and report on the financial impact of cost reduction initiatives
• Initiate and/or take part in research and engineering projects relating to materials and functions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with core engineering, procurement, finance, and manufacturing teams to identify and execute cost reduction projects for Polestar
• Participate in design and engineering reviews to ensure cost efficiency is considered in the design and development of new vehicle models across functional domains
• Coordinate with the supply chain team to evaluate and select cost-effective materials and components for new vehicles and model year changes
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, e.g. by representing the exterior team in cross functional work groups
• Work closely with the Cost Engineer Lead to cascade and distribute targets & track status
• Conduct mass benchmarking activities to identify risks and opportunities

The ideal candidate

In order to succeed in this role, and at Polestar in general, there are a few characteristics you'll need to have. Tenacity. Flexibility. Curiosity. Drive. The ability to take the initiative, to meet deadlines & requirements, and to abandon ideas when they're not feasible.

You should have strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data using relevant software tools (e.g. MS Office Suite, JIRA, Confluence), and create clear, understandable output. Any product development experience, particularly within vehicle programme delivery, will be seen as a distinct benefit, as will familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or other cost reduction methodologies.

You must be able to form strong networks across the various business functions (R&D, Manufacturing, Procurement, Logistics, Finance), working in a transparent manner, and employing your excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills.

In addition, you'll need the following:

• You have a relevant university degree in design, automotive, environmental bias, sustainability, climate studies, materials. 
• Proven experience in cost reduction, cost analysis, or a related role within the automotive or manufacturing industry
• You have a proven track record in managing projects and cross-functional work groups
• Experience in an OEM or supply chain for exterior components & materials
• Have a sustainable mindset regards materials and manufacturing

Polestar is an international company, with various backgrounds represented. English, therefore, is the language of written and spoken communication. And though we have a global presence, we maintain the growth-mindset. Change happens often at Polestar. But so does progress. Expect an accelerating, exciting environment.