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