Automotive - Technical Finance Officer (918)
Location: Cranfield
Hourly Rate: £18.01

We are recruiting a Technical Finance Officer for a globally recognized automotive client based in Cranfield. This is a long-term contract role with the potential to extend for several years.
The client has a substantial European presence and employs over 17,000 staff across design, R&D, manufacturing, logistics, purchasing, and sales operations. With over 9 million vehicles produced in the UK, this client is known for its innovative approach and award-winning vehicles.
The Technical Finance Officer will work closely with a team of Design and Project Engineers, providing critical financial analysis and support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse quotes for piece cost and vendor tooling, including commercial factors such as overheads, plant layout, and global economic conditions.
• Manage Tier 1 suppliers through regular meetings to ensure transparency and optimised quotations.
• Report to senior management on quote vs. budget, using gap analysis and graphical formats.
• Support the team with engineering estimates for component costs and vendor tooling.
• Maintain cost databases and assist with RFQ creation during the sourcing phase.
• Ensure commodity budgets are realistic and provide cost-reduction ideas.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as R&D, Product Planning, and Market Intelligence.
In addition to these core responsibilities, there will be opportunities to engage in:
• Supplier testing tracking (STRS) and cost/result analysis.
• Benchmarking using A2mac1.
• Ensuring compliance with ECE-R 21 regulations for interior fittings.
• Managing design changes, tracking releases, and overseeing adoption plans.
• Supporting quality and reliability improvements.

Qualifications & Experience:

• In-depth understanding of global automotive supply chains and cost drivers.
• Strong knowledge of interior commodities and technologies (plastics, stampings, jigs, decoration, fabrics, etc.).
• Experience managing costs with a Tier 1 supplier.
• Ability to interrogate CAD files for attributes such as dimensions, volumes, and surface areas.
• Previous experience working in a customer-facing role at a Tier 1 supplier.
• Detail-oriented, organised, and methodical, with a fact-driven mindset.
• Proactive in challenging suppliers when opportunities for improvement arise.
• A team player with strong communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Hours & Pay:

• Monday to Friday, 39 hours per week.
• Hourly rate: £18.01.
If youre an experienced finance professional with a passion for the automotive industry, apply now.

LMIND