VAVE specialist

Job Description

About the Team

The team is dedicated to identifying and implementing innovative solutions that reduce product and component costs while maintaining functionality, quality, and technical compliance. We collaborate with cross-functional teams across ZF to develop sustainable cost optimization initiatives and drive continuous improvement. Through supplier partnerships, benchmarking activities, and engineering expertise, we directly contribute to the competitiveness and success of our products.
 
What you can look forward to as VAVE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) Specialist:

• Drive value engineering and cost optimization initiatives for products and components within the assigned business area.
• Generate and develop cost-saving ideas through internal and external workshops with suppliers and internal Stakeholders.
• Evaluate technical feasibility, quality impact, risks, and business cases for proposed engineering and sourcing changes.
• Coordinate implementation activities with Purchasing, R&D, Quality, Operations, Materials Management, and suppliers.
• Lead and track VA/VE projects, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder alignment, and achievement of savings targets.
• Support engineering change approvals and contribute to Design-to-Cost and Cost Engineering activities.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and identify alternative technologies, suppliers, and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Participate in international and cross-functional projects while contributing to the continuous improvement of VAVE methods, tools, and processes.
• Drive Change management towards supplier, monitor progress of change, manage risk during implementation and report status within introduction of measures.

Your Profile as VAVE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) Specialist:

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics or a related technical field.
• 3-5 years of experience in the Automotive Industry, preferably in Value Engineering, Change Management, Project Management, Product Engineering, Technical Purchasing, Cost Engineering, Supplier Development, or Supplier Quality.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product cost structures, technical drawings, BOM analysis, and cost drivers.
• Experience with benchmarking, cost optimization projects, supplier collaboration, and engineering change management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and workshop facilitation skills.
• Fluent in English.
   

Why you should choose ZF in Pančevo?

• Private health insurance
• Possibility of hybrid work
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and internal career development