Donato Davila Valdes
Senior Cost Estimator
Clinton Township,MI
Summary
With a proven track record at Martinrea International, I excel in cost analysis and project leadership, particularly within the automotive industry. My expertise in SAP and cost-estimating software, combined with my ability to foster team growth and streamline processes, has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Cost Estimator
Martinrea International
07.2019 - 01.2025
- Automotive Supplier (Metallics Group)
- Analyzed designs and performed accurate cost analysis.
- Used various types of costing models to complete and document technical estimates.
- Supported sales team with accurate pricing information for quotes, aiding in securing new contracts for business growth.
- Trained junior team members in best practices for cost estimating, fostering a skilled workforce within the department.
- Utilized cost-estimating software to streamline estimating processes and produce accurate and reliable estimates.
- Contributed to successful proposal submissions with accurate estimates that met both client specifications and internal profit goals.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing detailed explanations of cost estimates and addressing their concerns promptly.
- Collaborated with other departments and contractors to access all necessary information and expertise to create comprehensive estimates.
- Identified areas for cost saving to help increase profitability and lower client costs.
- Gathered data on materials, labor and equipment costs to determine total costs of projects.
SAP Project Leader
Benteler Automotive
06.2015 - 06.2019
- Automotive Supplier (Chassis components Group)
- Developed comprehensive project plans, outlining scope, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Ensured seamless communication between stakeholders, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Coordinated training initiatives for team members to increase skillsets in key SAP modules.
- Spearheaded change management efforts that streamlined business processes and improved productivity levels across departments.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented solutions through post-implementation reviews and stakeholder feedback sessions.
- Mentored junior project managers to strengthen their leadership skills and promote professional growth within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency by streamlining SAP processes and optimizing resource allocation.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer sessions for end-users to maximize adoption of new SAP systems.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful SAP project implementation and timely delivery.
- Maintained detailed documentation throughout the entire project lifecycle for future reference purposes.
- Solved functional and technical obstacles and worked closely with project team from different streams.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on SAP system operations and functionality.
Senior Cost Estimator
Benteler Automotive
03.1996 - 06.2015
- Automotive Supplier (Chassis Components Group)
- Analyzed designs and performed accurate cost analysis.
- Used various types of costing models to complete and document technical estimates.
- Kept abreast of industry trends and technological advancements, incorporating relevant data into cost estimation models as needed.
- Supported sales team with accurate pricing information for quotes, aiding in securing new contracts for business growth.
- Trained junior team members in best practices for cost estimating, fostering a skilled workforce within the department.
- Reduced project costs by conducting comprehensive cost analyses and implementing effective cost-saving measures.
- Used specialized software to create estimates quickly and accurately and make estimates easily understandable and shareable.
- Gathered data on materials, labor and equipment costs to determine total costs of projects.
- Analyzed plans and specifications to identify scope and cost of projects.
- Utilized cost-estimating software to streamline estimating processes and produce accurate and reliable estimates.
Technical Liason
Benteler Automotive
06.1995 - 06.1996
- Technical Liason for parts made in Puebla Mexico for USA Automotive OEM Customers
- Acted as the liaison between upper management and staff members, promoting positive working relationships built on trust.
- Served as the primary point of contact, fostering strong relationships between internal teams and external partners.
- Supported organizational growth through active participation in networking events, conferences, and professional associations.
- Maintained a high degree of professionalism at all times, representing the organization with integrity in both internal and external interactions.
- Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with organizational objectives.
Engineering Manager
York International Corp
06.1994 - 02.1995
- Air Conditioning Systems Group
- Enhanced overall team productivity with continuous training and mentoring of junior engineers.
- Improved engineering processes by streamlining workflows and implementing efficient project management techniques.
- Identified areas of improvement in existing systems, providing recommendations that resulted in significant cost savings over time.
- Implemented quality control measures to reduce errors, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Forward Planning Coordinator
Lear Seating Corporation
06.1990 - 07.1994
- Seats operation Plant (Cut and saw and assembly processes)
- Car seats JIT system operation developed
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for effective problem-solving and decision-making during project execution.
- Conducted regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss project updates, address concerns, and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
- Streamlined planning processes by implementing efficient coordination strategies and communication tools.
- Participated in strategic planning sessions alongside senior leadership to develop long-term goals aligned with organizational objectives.
Forward Planning Coordinator
General Motors Co
06.1980 - 06.1990
- Initial activity was as Industrial Engineer then after a couple of years I became Forwarding Planning Coordinator.
- Great experience understanding all different aspects of an Automotive Assembly plant (Chassis, Paint, Trim, Chassis and Final process)
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for effective problem-solving and decision-making during project execution.
- Conducted regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss project updates, address concerns, and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
- Streamlined planning processes by implementing efficient coordination strategies and communication tools.
- Participated in strategic planning sessions alongside senior leadership to develop long-term goals aligned with organizational objectives.
- Developed comprehensive project plans to facilitate timely completion and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Analyzed data trends to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased productivity in planning activities.
- Coordinated closely with other departments to ensure seamless integration of new initiatives into existing workflows across the organization.
- Maintained accurate records of all planning activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry best practices.
Coils Area Project Leader
General Electric Company
06.1979 - 06.1980
- Launching of a new GE Plant (Key Boards, Harnesses and Coils areas)
- Collaborated with team members to develop, identify and accomplish assigned goals and objectives.
- Aligned with staff members to develop, identify and achieve assigned goals and initiatives.
- Managed team meetings and discussed project's goals and objectives.
- Successfully led multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a focus on priorities, resource allocation, and overall strategic objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Industrial Engineering
Instituto Tecnologico De Nuevo Laredo
Nuevo Laredo Tamaulipas Mexico 05.2001 -
Skills
My career has been within the Automotive Industry OEM and Auto suppliers
Cost Analysis for Chassis Components
Order Management Expertise
Timeline
Senior Cost Estimator
Martinrea International
07.2019 - 01.2025
SAP Project Leader
Benteler Automotive
06.2015 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Industrial Engineering
Instituto Tecnologico De Nuevo Laredo
05.2001 -
Senior Cost Estimator
Benteler Automotive
03.1996 - 06.2015
Technical Liason
Benteler Automotive
06.1995 - 06.1996
Engineering Manager
York International Corp
06.1994 - 02.1995
Forward Planning Coordinator
Lear Seating Corporation
06.1990 - 07.1994
Forward Planning Coordinator
General Motors Co
06.1980 - 06.1990
Coils Area Project Leader
General Electric Company
06.1979 - 06.1980
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