Value Analysis & Engineering Director

Director Of Value Analysis & Engineering (VAE)At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it's providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world.

Discover the many reasons the world's most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont.The Director of Value Analysis & Engineering (VAE) is responsible for driving enterprise value through the strategic application of value engineering analysis methodologies and advanced analytics using generative AI techniques. This role leads a high-impact team of engineers, partnering across operations, manufacturing technology, R&D and supply chain stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and implement initiatives that optimize cost, quality, outcomes, and performance.The role serves as both a strategic advisor and change leader, leveraging value engineering practices to maximize product, process, or project value while minimizing costs. The position drives local and enterprise-wide improvements through shop-floor technology innovations, productivity, and optimized design for Front-End Loading of capital projects.This leader establishes the value engineering roadmap, governs portfolio performance, mentors and develops team capability, and influences senior leadership through clear, actionable recommendations.

Success requires strong change leadership, experience with generative AI techniques, the ability to translate analytics into impact, and a commitment to building a culture of continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the enterprise value engineering strategy focused on optimizing raw materials, formulations, components, and manufacturing processes to deliver significant, sustainable cost reductionsOwn the value pipeline for material and process initiatives, prioritizing opportunities based on financial impact, feasibility, supply risk, and operational readinessPartner with executive leadership to align VAV&E initiatives to business strategy, margin improvement goals, and growth plansDrive value analysis of raw materials, including material substitution, specification optimization, grade rationalization, and alternative sourcing strategiesCollaborate with Procurement and Suppliers to identify cost-down opportunities through should-cost modeling, AI-driven benchmarking, and innovation partnershipsImplement AI-supported tools for predictive cost modeling, scenario analysis, supplier performance evaluation, and demand-driven material optimizationEvaluate supplier proposals and cost-reduction programs using total cost of ownership, lifecycle cost, and risk-adjusted value frameworksLead cross-functional efforts to optimize manufacturing processes, including yield improvement, cycle time reduction, scrap and waste elimination, and energy efficiencyApply value engineering, Lean, Six Sigma, and AI-enabled analytics to identify root causes of cost and performance variationDrive standardization and simplification of processes, formulations, and bill-of-materials across sites where appropriatePartner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Manufacturing Technology, and R&D teams to enable scalable, sustainable process improvementsAct as a strong change leader to drive adoption of material and process changes across manufacturing sites and functionsLead stakeholder engagement, communication, and risk mitigation for high-impact cost-reduction initiativesBuild credibility and alignment with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership to ensure implementation successAnticipate and manage resistance, ensuring changes are practical, well-understood, and operationally sustainableLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing VAE team focused on materials, manufacturing, and process engineeringEstablish best practices, standards, and tools for value analysis and value engineering across the teamBuild AI literacy and analytical capability within the team to elevate outcomes and productivityFoster a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven thinking, and innovationEstablish KPIs to track cost savings, cost avoidance, productivity gains, and value realizationEnsure savings are validated with Finance and sustained through governance, monitoring, and controlsReport clear, transparent results and progress to senior and executive leadershipQualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer/Data Science, MBA or AI Business Masters15+ years of experience in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Computer Science related fieldProven experience with Advanced AI and analytics leadership, including experience sponsoring or deploying AI-enabled cost modeling, process optimization, and decision-support capabilities across the enterpriseEnterprise manufacturing leadership experience with a proven record of delivering large-scale, multi-site cost transformation across raw materials, formulations, components, and core manufacturing processesRecognized authority in Value Analysis and Value Engineering, with deep expertise applying Lean, Six Sigma, and engineering principles to drive sustained margin improvement at scaleExecutive-level change leadership, with demonstrated success influencing senior leaders, plant leadership, and cross-functional executives to adopt complex material, supplier, and process changesPeople and portfolio leadership at scale, including leading managers or senior professionals, setting strategy, and governing a high-value initiative portfolio with accountability for resultsStrong P&L ownership mindset and financial acumen, with the ability to translate material and process decisions into measurable margin improvement, long-term value creation, and competitive advantage.Drives growth through a relentless pursuit of new and better ways of working and accelerates value creation by embracing calculated risk-taking and rapid adaptation.Creates an environment that embraces our core values. Understands how to motivate, develop, and get the most out of talent within the organizations.