Feasibility & Process Engineering Manager

About the job

WHAT TO EXPECT

Stamping Group is responsible for forming technologies, tooling programmes and press production for all of the major stampings on Jaguar Land Rover vehicles. This includes managing the development, manufacture and successful launch of tooling and equipment into nominated press facilities as well as providing the foundation for Jaguar Land Rover’s drive towards world class BIW quality and cost performance.

Within Stamping Group, the ‘Feasibility and Process Engineering’ (F&PE) Department are responsible for panel feasibility and stamping process definition, including press line simulation. The team are engaged from the strategic programme definition (1st Clay concepts) into the simultaneous engineering delivery phase and through to completion of production process definition to enable the start of die design. The team also provide Feasibility and Process technical support to the Die Design, Manufacture and Press Shop Launch teams, playing a vital role in the realisation of our business aims. 

This team interface closely with the departments and functions that provide key inputs to our process, such as Design and Product Engineering. This team also manage and lead the resources (internal and/or external ESP’s) required to support the successful development of their commodity, ultimately delivering a feasible product and defined process to the nominated SE Partner or Toolmaker. In doing so they ensure that SG processes and standards are adhered to, and that cost, quality, timing and performance targets are met.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
 This management role will involve shaping, developing and leading a small team of engineers engaged in the following:

• Lead and manage the Feasibility & Process for an assigned commodity portfolio of panels, providing regular, structured feasibility status updates to manager and senior management reporting, including process, quality, dimensional, cost, material utilisation and performance. 
• Lead & manage others in the delivery of your commodity. Coaching junior members where appropriate. 
• Establish a professional engineering interface with design, product engineering, SG programmes & tooling vendors to ensure robust management of engineering change. 
• As commodity lead you will be integral to the planning and delivery of AGILE Squads. You will ensure Stamping Group deliverables are identified and maintained through QBR, Big Room & Sprint planning activities within each vehicle programme timeline.  
• Provide feedback to Engineering that aids manufacturability of the product, Lead and document within AIM’S/JIRA systems 
• Aid resolution of feasibility issues and provide feedback to the customer 
• Perform & manage appropriate forming simulations of stamping processes and provide comprehensive reports of their results. 
• Optimize draw die developments and line die process to maximise quality, cost, performance efficiency and manufacturing robustness 
• Validate simulations parameters as part of continuous improvement feedback. 
• With experience of pressing feasibility ensure the development of PE’s BOD through appropriate use of relevant lessons learnt/surrogacy of both Jaguar Land Rover and competitor vehicles bench marking. 
• Define stamping manufacture processes taking into account the most appropriate / available facilities, piece cost and tool cost implications. 
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project objectives delivered 
• Conduct process handovers to suppliers and buy-off productionised process and forming simulation supplier results analysis.  
• Provide technical support for toolmakers on resolution of process and forming simulation results 
• Provide support, project management and facilitation for the supplier development by promoting performance improvement within the external vendor base 
• Drive continuous departmental capability improvement, including innovative technology development using relevant project methodologies. Lead stakeholder groups/teams in defining project scope, definition and managing actions and timing through to delivery. 
• Undertake any other work as directed by their line manager in connection with their job as requested

The Manager of this team will be expected to:

• Shape, lead and coach this highly technical team in successfully delivering new vehicle programme deliverables.
• Develop and maintain departmental KPI’s, standards and quality operating methods, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Define both short term and strategic team objectives aligned with the Stamping Group vision.
• Champion smarter working and efficiency activities, to optimise output quality and to reduce operating costs and delivery lead-times.
• Undertake any other work as directed by their line manager in connection with their job as may be requested from time to time
• Undertake an amount of travel between Jaguar Land Rover Sites.

Integral to this role, you will be instrumental in leading the continual growth and development of the department. Using competitor benchmarking, innovation, technology, internal and external resources as required, you will scope and initiate projects that will deliver solutions that ensure SG Feasibility and Process Engineering maintain skills and capabilities to be world leaders in our field.  

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
 Essential:

• Extensive experience in complex pressed panel feasibility and production process definition. 
• Significant experience of materials, and materials properties and processes specifically related to forming technologies.  
• Experience with material forming simulation software (AutoForm) for complex BIW panel geometry 
• Significant knowledge of key processes, facilities and technologies used throughout the pressed parts process chain. 
• Proven ability in scoping, managing and delivering complex projects 
• Working knowledge of Team Centre and Catia v5/6. 
• Excellent knowledge of practical problem-solving techniques ex., 8D, and lean tools etc 
• Proven ability in leading & managing a small to medium sized team.
• Experience in coaching and developing others. 
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively to all levels of seniority.
• Competent user of Microsoft applications, specifically Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Desirable: 

• A relevant engineering degree is not essential but would be an advantage, as would time served in related engineering disciplines.
• Ability to analyse and break down complex, design, engineering and manufacturing problems or processes into its key elements offering clear navigational paths through them to achieve common goals 
• A flexible, self-motivated, organised and confident team player able to understand the needs, desires, aspirations and priorities of competing customers
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
• An effective team player who actively supports and develops team members
• Lean / Six Sigma certification

SO WHY US?

Bring all this to the home of premium innovation, and you’ll find the opportunities to further your career with a world-class team, a discounted car purchase and lease scheme for you and your family, membership of a competitive pension plan, private medical cover and performance related bonus scheme. As a manager, you’ll also be able to select one of our luxury premium vehicles to lease at a fraction of the cost. All this and more makes Jaguar Land Rover the perfect place to continue your journey.

Please be aware that we may close this vacancy for applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of interest. We strongly advise you to submit your application as early as possible.

Jaguar Land Rover is committed to equal opportunity for all.