Hybrid Sales Operations Specialist bei NTN Bearing Corporation

Location:  USA, Farmingtion Hills, MI

Are you looking for a unique vehicle to a successful career? NTN Bearing Corporation (NBCA) has employment opportunities that will assist qualified candidates to achieve their desired goals. NTN is one of the world's premier bearing manufacturers serving the automotive and industrial markets for the past 100 years.

NTN Bearing Corporation is seeking a Sales Operations Specialist for our Farmington Hills, MI office.  The Sales Operations Specialist plays a critical role in supporting pricing strategies, business planning across the organization. This role is responsible for analyzing manufacturing costs, evaluating capacity, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to support competitive quoting, cost recovery, and profitability throughout the product lifecycle.

Acting as a bridge between Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing, the Forecast Analyst delivers actionable insights and data-driven recommendations to improve cost accuracy, support strategic decision-making, and ensure efficient program execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cost Forecasting & Analysis:
• Develop and maintain accurate cost forecasting models to support strategic pricing and quoting activities.
• Analyze cost drivers including materials, labor, and overhead across multiple plants.
• Monitor and report on trends in component, tooling, and program costs.
• Support program-level profitability analysis and pricing decisions.
• Assist in developing cost inputs for RFQs and pricing proposals.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing, to align cost data with operational realities.
• Evaluate plant and engineering capacity to support program timelines and feasibility.
• Participate in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives to drive cost reductions.

• Cost Control & Documentation:
• Track and audit tooling costs and expenditure; support documentation for customer cost recovery.
• Monitor engineering changes and assess cost impact throughout the program cycle.
• Lead gate control efforts to ensure cost alignment from sourcing through SOP (Start of Production).

• Management & Reporting:
• Maintain key databases such as CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), ensuring data accuracy.
• Generate regular cost summary reports and forecasts using Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools.
• Communicate findings clearly across multiple levels of the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in cost forecasting, financial planning, or sales/cost analysis in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables and data modeling), PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience in cross-functional, multicultural team environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ERP systems and cost estimation tools.
• Knowledge of automotive industry RFQ processes and program cost structures.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

Personal Characteristics:

• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and accountability.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to collaborate and communicate effectively across departments.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid or on-site role based in Farmington Hills, MI.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing plants or customer sites may be required