Director of Should Cost & Competitive Benchmarking
Job details
General information
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
Reference number
2026-171450
Job details
Domain
Performance and Support
Job field / Job profile
Finance and management - Finance and administration management
Job title
Director of Should Cost & Competitive Benchmarking
Employment @type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
Job Summary
The Director of Should Cost & Competitive Benchmarking will play a pivotal role for ensuring cost competitiveness by design, with a primary focus on new product development and strategic bids such as the New Single Aisle program. This position supports strategic purchasing and sourcing teams by identifying cost reduction opportunities, driving design-to-cost initiatives, and developing negotiation strategies across departments to achieve cost-saving goals. The role monitors bills of materials by program and acts as the focal point for New Part Introduction (NPI), coordinating activities related to program development. Serving as a critical liaison between key departments, this leader ensures alignment on cost reduction strategies and program development, enabling SEDA to benchmark the market, set accurate product cost targets, and bid competitively on new product opportunities.
Objectives:
Shift cost target setting away from internal assumptions and late-stage visibility, focusing instead on clear, market-based cost realities.
Ensure products (High Production variances, NPI...) are cost-competitive by design, informed by benchmarks, current technologies, and effective manufacturing methods.
Provide support for accurate, competitive bidding to prepare for the New Single Aisle product and other strategic programs
Essential Job Functions
Develop a process, methodology and tool to support the activity
Benchmark comparable products, technologies, and manufacturing approaches to inform cost targets.
Work with our Sales department to establish a process to consider should cost learnings and actions into commercial conditions.
Drive the process to introduce Design-to-Cost (DTC) initiatives and cost-saving ideas from ideation through implementation.
Coordinate with Program and Purchasing teams to develop successful plans for product versions, forecasts, risk management, and opportunity identification.
Support strategic purchasing and sourcing teams in identifying cost reduction opportunities.
Monitor bills of materials by program and serve as the focal point for New Part Introduction (NPI).
Facilitate clear and direct communication with Program Directors, ensuring alignment on client information and requirements.
Analyze the evolution of material costs by program, understand client quotes, and adapt strategies to maximize cost savings.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of sales processes, customer needs, and market dynamics to ensure effective cost strategies.
Demonstrate strong understanding of supply chain operations, including sourcing, procurement, and logistics.
Effectively translate sales and program requirements into actionable supply chain and cost strategies.
But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)
Travel Specificity:
Up to 25% travel may be required
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position and occasionally move about the office and laboratory. Constantly operates and use a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copier/printer and laboratory machinery. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information. The ability to observe, identify and assess details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds across office for various needs.
Work Environment:
The work environment is split between office & laboratory work, with most work being performed in the office. Noise level in the office is typically quiet while the noise level in the lab can occasionally require hearing protection.
Candidate skills & requirements
Required Competencies:
Education/Experience
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum 10+ years of experience in cost engineering, strategic sourcing, supply chain, program management, or industrial engineering within an aerospace, automotive, or high-complexity manufacturing environment.
Proven experience leading Should Cost, Cost Modeling, or Competitive Benchmarking activities for complex products or programs.
Demonstrated experience supporting new product development (NPI) and strategic bidding activities.
Prior experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and Program Management teams.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong understanding of aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing cost structures, including materials, labor, overhead, and industrial processes.
Deep knowledge of supply chain operations, including sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, and logistics considerations.
Ability to analyze and interpret complex BOMs, cost breakdowns, and market pricing data.
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to support competitive bid development.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities.
Ability to communicate complex cost and technical concepts clearly to executive and non-technical audiences.
Proficiency with cost modeling tools, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and advanced Excel or analytics platforms.
Results-driven mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, program-driven environment.
Leadership Skills / Management Skills / Personal Skills:
Proven ability to build and lead a new function or capability within an organization.
Experience operating in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
Strong collaboration and influencing skills without direct authority.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate long-term objectives into executable actions.
High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism
Annual salary
$160K - $205K
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, California
City (-ies)
1833 Alton Parkway CA 92606 Irvine
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years
ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency
No
