Cost Reduction Engineer (Value Engineering / Supply Chain)
Leamington Spa
£45,000 to £50,000 + bonus (flexibility for the right profile)
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–12:00
26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
Private medical cover (after qualifying period) + Death in Service benefit (4x annual salary)
Permanent | Highly rated engineering employer with exceptional retention
A highly respected engineering manufacturer in Leamington Spa is recruiting a Cost Reduction Engineer to take ownership of value engineering and cost-down projects across engineered and bought-in components and assemblies.
This is a standalone role and suits someone who is naturally commercial, technically strong, and confident challenging engineering decisions to remove cost through smarter design, specification and manufacturing routes. The business is not looking for a traditional buyer or a pure design engineer. They want someone who can sit in the middle, understand how parts are made, and deliver meaningful cost take-out through engineering challenge and supplier collaboration.
If you enjoy engineering, problem-solving and practical commercial impact, this is a role where you can genuinely influence the product long-term.
The Cost Reduction Engineer (Value Engineering / Supply Chain) role
You will operate as a key link between Engineering and Supply Chain, running cost reduction projects end-to-end and helping the business unlock savings through value engineering and manufacturing improvements.
Key responsibilities include:
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Identifying cost take-out opportunities across all engineered and bought-in components (machining, fabrication, assemblies, metalwork etc.)
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Challenging engineering designs, tolerances, specifications and manufacturing routes to improve value
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Supporting engineering change activity with a cost reduction focus
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Working with suppliers to understand capability, manufacturing methods and cost drivers
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Running supplier RFQs, benchmarking, and supplier discussions to support technical and commercial decisions
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Taking ownership of cost-down projects from concept through to implementation
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Presenting savings opportunities and working collaboratively to drive acceptance and change
What you’ll need to be considered
This role requires engineering credibility first, with commercial understanding alongside it.
You should have experience in one of the following areas:
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Manufacturing / Production / Industrial Engineering
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NPI Engineering / Project Engineering (with supplier involvement)
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Tooling / Process Development Engineering
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Value Engineering / Cost Engineering / VAVE activity
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Engineering-oriented Commodity / Category Buying (selectively)
You’ll ideally have:
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Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and cost drivers
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Confidence reading engineering drawings and BOMs
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Proven examples of cost reduction through design, process, material or supplier change
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Supplier-facing experience and the ability to challenge cost drivers constructively
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A pragmatic, hands-on approach and confidence to challenge other engineers
Engineering qualifications are advantageous, but practical engineering knowledge and confidence in technical conversations is more important.
Why join?
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Standalone role with real autonomy and visibility
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High stability employer with excellent workforce retention
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Genuine opportunity to influence product cost and manufacturing approach
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Early Friday finish every week
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Bonus + private medical + enhanced holiday allowance
If you’re looking for a role where you can combine engineering thinking with commercial impact and value engineering, apply today.
INDH
Keywords: Technical Buyer, Product Cost Engineer, VAVE Engineer