Norman Miller - Cost Engineer, Technical Buyer, Project Manager

Q: Where is Norman based?

Norman is based in Böhme, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Norman speak?

Norman speaks the following languages: English (Native), German (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Norman have?

Norman has at least 58 years of experience. During this time, Norman has worked in at least 15 different roles and for 21 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 9 months . Note that Norman may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Norman's latest experience?

Norman's most recent position is Project Materials Manager at Alstom Transport Deutschland GmbH .

Q: What companies has Norman worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Norman has worked for Alstom Transport Deutschland GmbH , Fresenius Medical Care AG , Rehau Industries SE & Co. KG , and The Lighting Consultants Ltd. .

Q: Which industries is Norman most experienced in?

Norman is most experienced in industries like Automotive , Manufacturing , and Banking and Finance . Norman also has some experience in Professional Services , Aerospace and Defense , and Transportation and Logistics .

Q: Which business areas is Norman most experienced in?

Norman is most experienced in business areas like Sales , Procurement and Purchasing , and Supply Chain Management . Norman also has some experience in Marketing , Product Development , and Operations .

Q: Which industries has Norman worked in recently?

Norman has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing , Automotive , and Healthcare .

Q: Which business areas has Norman worked in recently?

Norman has recently worked in business areas like Procurement and Purchasing , Supply Chain Management , and Project Management .

Recommended expert

Böhme, Germany

Experience

May 2023 - Jan 2024

9 months

Project Materials Manager

Alstom Transport Deutschland GmbH

Worked as liaison manager between engineering, purchasing, supply chain and installation engineering departments to ensure correct ordering and timely delivery of parts
Led two critical projects and conducted weekly team meetings across multiple departments

Sep 2022 - Mar 2023

7 months

Consultant Cost Engineer

Fresenius Medical Care AG

Worked on cost reduction target of EUR 31 million by 2025 (10% of annual spend)
Managed hi-tech precision components made from plastics, metals and electronics
Supported series and NPI buyers
Implemented cost reduction measures in house production and electronic production for subsidiary Vivonics in the Clean Water division

Mar 2022 - May 2022

3 months

Interim Buyer

Rehau Industries SE & Co. KG

Negotiated with suppliers and established BOMs for complex assemblies including pumps, hi-tech electronic, metal and plastic parts
Managed procurement of special tools for underfloor heating systems
Oversaw budget of EUR 20 million per year

Jan 2018 - Dec 2019

2 years

Austria

Consultant Cost Engineer

LAM Research AG

Worked in Pilot Engineering division to reduce costs and improve profitability without compromising quality
Collaborated with multiple departments in the semiconductor industry market leader

Jan 2018 - Sep 2018

9 months

Senior Cost Engineer

Rehau Automotive GmbH

Provided technical support to project buyers in supplier negotiations, benchmarking, target price setting and process optimization
Supported automotive, industrial and construction divisions globally

Sep 2016 - Sep 2017

1 year 1 month

Germany

Consultant Cost Engineer

Flextronics Design Center

Reported directly to GM on various OEM projects

Apr 2016 - Aug 2016

5 months

Consultant Senior Cost Engineer

Jaguar Land Rover

Conducted teardown and should-cost evaluations of electronic components (accelerometers, ESP/ABS pumps, EPAS), tyre/wheel assemblies and cast iron steering knuckles
Achieved the largest single-item cost reduction in JLR history, saving GBP 199 million over eight years

Jul 2014 - Dec 2018

4 years 6 months

Consultant

Self-Employed

Worked on various consulting projects for hedge fund investors, Roland Berger, Cognolink, ThirdBridge, GLG, Primary Insight and Lighting Consultants Ltd.

Jul 2014 - Jan 2016

1 year 7 months

Consultant Cost Engineer

P.A. Perfect Costgrid Ltd

Conducted teardown and benchmarking cost analyses of multiple vehicle models for French, German, Japanese and American OEMs
Covered sub-compact cars, light commercial vehicles, minivans, sports cars and saloon cars over five projects

Jan 2012 - Dec 2022

11 years

Consultant Cost Engineer

The Lighting Consultants Ltd.

Calculated piece prices and tooling costs for series and prototype products
Served as buyer for external components including complex electronic components and PCBAs
Identified cost-down opportunities
Liaised with suppliers of BOC parts for hi-tech, high-value automotive components

Jan 2011 - Dec 2014

4 years

Germany

Cost Engineer

Mercedes Benz Technology Group GmbH

Researched and costed alternative drivetrain components and systems (battery charging equipment, HV power systems, lithium battery packs, BMS controllers, fuel cell systems)
Established greenfield costs for a plastic chroming facility and developed calculation program
Performed teardown and cost analysis of electronic parts and sensors for purchasing negotiations and financial forecasting
Managed project to relocate a vehicle production line from Argentina to Russia, covering all electric/electronic components, interior controls, fuel tank and lighting systems

Jan 2010 - Dec 2011

2 years

Norway

Cost Engineer

TH!NK Global A/S

Identified cost reduction potential for existing components and estimated new components from a design-to-cost standpoint
Conducted hands-on teardown of components and vehicles to support price negotiations
Collaborated with design teams to ensure cost-effective, high-quality parts
Evaluated global supplier production and assembly processes for further cost savings

Jan 2000 - Dec 2009

10 years

Business Development Manager

Hella Interior Lighting Systems

Managed key accounts: Ford USA, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Chrysler, GM USA, Bentley
Developed new accounts (Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi) in the USA
Interpreted and integrated communications between customers and internal teams
Analyzed customer requests and coordinated resources for product manager decision making
Negotiated contracts including prices and design & development costs
Prepared and presented products at international motor shows and trade fairs
Acted as technical advisor in internal and external project meetings

Jan 1998 - Dec 2000

3 years

Cost Estimator & Technical Buyer

TI Automotive Systems GmbH

Forward sourced and calculated production and assembly processes for complex fuel systems
Developed end-of-line testing procedures and logistical planning for international OEM facilities
Managed project purchasing for plastic, metal, pump and electronic parts with annual budget of EUR 50 million
Conducted supplier quotations, evaluations, negotiations and contract awards
Implemented cost reduction programs from development to series production

Jan 1992 - Dec 1996

5 years

Owner

Techno Star Inc.

Operated sales business for specialized vehicles, race and tuning parts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Identified markets, developed dealer network and managed marketing
Negotiated terms with suppliers and dealers
Presented products in automotive press and organized test drives
Exhibited at international automobile shows
Conducted vehicle testing to EU and TÜV regulations
Advised on product development and TÜV testing of a diesel gasification system for an English engineering consortium

Jan 1987 - Dec 1992

6 years

Germany

Regional Sales Manager

Mitsubishi Military Auto Sales Div.

Managed four offices in southern Germany
Conducted sales forecasting and promotional events
Supervised and trained six employees

Jan 1985 - Dec 1987

3 years

Germany

Area Sales Manager

Nissan Military Car & Truck Div.

Conducted sales and sales promotion activities

Jan 1975 - Dec 1985

11 years

United Kingdom

Technical Sales Manager

Various OEMs

Acquired and maintained accounts in light and heavy truck industry
Provided technical advice and sourced specialist suppliers
Introduced ZF Transmatic gearbox and Titan heavy haulage tractor unit into the UK market

Jan 1972 - Dec 1974

3 years

Owner

NPL International Transport

Managed all aspects of an international haulage company

Jan 1969 - Dec 1972

4 years

Manager

OMAP spa.

Ran a family garage business with five employees
Oversaw warehousing of OEM parts supplied to Perkins Engines

Jan 1964 - Dec 1967

4 years

Trainee Mechanic and Parts Department

Various

Worked in workshop as trainee mechanic and in parts department

Industries Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.

Experienced in Automotive (54.5 years), Manufacturing (12 years), Banking and Finance (4.5 years), Professional Services (4.5 years), Aerospace and Defense (3 years), and Transportation (3 years).

Automotive

Manufacturing

Banking and Finance

Professional Services

Aerospace and Defense

Transportation

Business Areas Experience

The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.

Experienced in Sales (32 years), Procurement (27.5 years), Supply Chain Management (22.5 years), Marketing (22 years), Product Development (18.5 years), and Operations (10 years).

Sales

Procurement

Supply Chain Management

Marketing

Product Development

Operations

Skills

Microsoft Tools Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Project
Ms Teams
Webex Cisco Systems
Sap
Lotus Notes
Brain Xpps
Practical (Hands-on) And Theoretical Mechanical Knowledge Of Motorcycles, Cars, And Trucks
Good General Technical Knowledge As Well As In-depth Knowledge Of Injection-molded And Blow-molded Plastic Parts And Their Tooling
Good Knowledge Of Metalworking Processes Including Stamping, Casting And Turning Of Steel And Aluminum
Working Knowledge Of Surface Coating Processes, Painting, Metallizing, Chrome Plating, Powder Coating And 'Splutter' Technology
Working Knowledge Of Electronic Pcb Production (Wave Soldering, Reflow Soldering, Selective Soldering, Smd Assembly Technology, Ict And Aoi Inspection Methods)
Good Knowledge Of Sub- And Final Assembly Processes As Well As End-of-line Testing Procedures For Complex Assemblies
Very Good Knowledge Of Oem/tier-1 Logistics Requirements, Especially Jit & Jis
Experience In Specifying Tender Documentation And Rfqs And In Filling Out Cbds
Experience In Conducting On-site Assessment Reviews For Production Site Relocation To Low-wage Countries (Russia, China, Etc.)
Project Management Experience In Production Relocation Planning For Vehicle Components At An International Level

Languages

English

Native

German

Advanced

Education

Oct 1967 - Jun 1968

Loughborough Technical College

Loughborough, United Kingdom

Oct 1962 - Jun 1964

Faraday Hall Technical School, Billingham Campus

Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom

Oct 1954 - Jun 1961

Billingham South Modern School

Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom

...and 1 more

Certifications & licenses

Hella Project Management Certificate

Hella

Dekra Akademie Certificate Logistic & Computer Studies

Dekra Akademie

Lee Du Bois Professionalism In Selling Certificate

Lee Du Bois

Certificate of Professional Competence in International Road Transport Operations

Ford Motor Co. Marketing Institute Truck Sales Certificates 1 & 2

Ford Motor Co. Marketing Institute

Drivers License

Northern Counties Technical Schools Certificate ( 6 subjects )

Profile

Created

November 2024

Last Update

January 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Norman based?

Norman is based in Böhme, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Norman speak?

Norman speaks the following languages: English (Native), German (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Norman have?

Norman has at least 58 years of experience. During this time, Norman has worked in at least 15 different roles and for 21 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 9 months. Note that Norman may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Norman be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Norman would be well-suited for roles such as: Project Materials Manager, Consultant Cost Engineer, Interim Buyer.

What is Norman's latest experience?

Norman's most recent position is Project Materials Manager at Alstom Transport Deutschland GmbH.

What companies has Norman worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Norman has worked for Alstom Transport Deutschland GmbH, Fresenius Medical Care AG, Rehau Industries SE & Co. KG, and The Lighting Consultants Ltd..

Which industries is Norman most experienced in?

Norman is most experienced in industries like Automotive, Manufacturing, and Banking and Finance. Norman also has some experience in Professional Services, Aerospace and Defense, and Transportation and Logistics.

Which business areas is Norman most experienced in?

Norman is most experienced in business areas like Sales, Procurement and Purchasing, and Supply Chain Management. Norman also has some experience in Marketing, Product Development, and Operations.

Which industries has Norman worked in recently?

Norman has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing, Automotive, and Healthcare.

Which business areas has Norman worked in recently?

Norman has recently worked in business areas like Procurement and Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, and Project Management.

What is Norman's education?

Norman holds a Bachelor from Faraday Hall Technical School, Billingham Campus, a Bachelor from Billingham South Modern School and a Bachelor in Motor Vehicle & Transportation Studies from University of Bolton.

Does Norman have any certificates?

Norman has 7 certificates. Among them, these include: Hella Project Management Certificate, Dekra Akademie Certificate Logistic & Computer Studies, and Lee Du Bois Professionalism In Selling Certificate.

What is the availability of Norman?

Norman is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Norman?

Norman's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.