Platform Lead Manager

About the job

The Opportunity

Vehicle Personalisation is one pillar of the Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations division responsible for developing the strategy, product and process to deliver outstanding personalisation options for our customers. This role is responsible for the Platform Lead team in Vehicle Personalisation.

This team is responsible for meeting all defined targets and attributes (technical and commercial – on cost, quality and time) and for the execution of deliverables on programmes. The team is also be accountable for reporting on status at relevant gateways.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

•  Lead the team to provide a single point of contact per platform for VP Engineering to enable face off to VP Programme team, NML, VLDs, CPEs etc, to enable the facilitation of VP features and lowest cost and highest quality
• Lead the Engineering delivery on all VP projects across all platforms, liaising with the functional managers
(Chassis, Body, Powertrain, Electrical), on programmes in the pre- phase through to job 1 + 90.
• Responsible for leading VP Engineering PDL responses, liaise/ negotiate with core on ownership, develop tech feas (with APC), drive design feas (DPAT), co-ordinate project resources.
• Support core project DPAT, VIT, PST, VLBR as required to ensure VP interests are covered and issues resolved.
• Liaise with core CoC’s to ensure platform architecture and systems are specified, agreed and capable of delivering VP accessories.
• Support VP Engineering launch support and support NML as required.
• Drive/ Support Engineering team on delivery, timing, cost, AIMs, concerns, quality etc.
• Drive VP innovation projects into delivery, on a specific platform.
• Drive VP Engineering process improvement, and platform strategy

Key Interactions – Vehicle Personalisation and Core

•  Programme Leader
• Programme Manager
• Vehicle Engineering Manager
• Engineering Managers
• Finance Manager
• Design Leads/Managers
• Purchasing Leads
 • Lead Engineer

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:
• Experience of delivering and developing technical products through a management of a
cross-functional teams
• Previous experience in the delivering technical products both in physical and software engineering
• Extensive experience of project and/ or programme management
• Significant experience of leading operational multi-skilled teams with the ability to set operational and strategic direction
• It is essential that the individual has worked in an engineering delivery role, ideally with whole vehicle experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proven experience of stakeholder management
• Experience of GPDS / PCS and all engineering planning and delivery processes is essential i.e. AIM's, DFMEA, /RMDV, WERS.
• Proven ability to manage complex technical issues is essential to balance the often conflicting needs of the business, within project timing constraints.
• Experience of working in an Agile environment
 •    Degree or relevant equivalent experience preferred

Desirable:
• Proven ability to build and manage multiple internal and external relationships in complex stakeholder environments
• Previous experience of the automotive or manufacturing industry
• High drive, self-motivated and able to deliver with minimum supervision.
• Both verbal and written communication skills are important to report technical issues across all levels, and these should be combined with a confident attitude.
 • Be able to demonstrate high levels of leadership and people development skills.

Personal Profile 

Essential:
• An individual who is results driven, demonstrates, tenacity, drive and perseverance, with the ability to deliver in a complex, highly demanding environment.
• An individual with the ability to combine a short term, pragmatic focus with longer term planning
• An individual who is resilient, energetic and enthusiastic, able to deliver results under pressure, whilst responding constructively to challenging new ideas and inputs
• An individual who is able to challenge existing thinking in a positive way whilst building credibility and trust through experience and personal style
• A good communicator who can communicate complex ideas
• A effective team player, actively leads, develops and supports team members
• Ability to build and manage multiple internal and external relationships in complex stakeholder environments
• Demonstrable business acumen
 • A passion for the automotive industry

Desirable:    
 •    An individual who enables speed in decision making through establishing alignment, clarity, appropriate resources and sense of urgency whilst bringing others along

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.

This role may offer the opportunity for hybrid working where you can split your time between working from home and in the office. At Jaguar Land Rover, hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement providing employees with more choice and flexibility around how, when and where they work, if suitable for their role. Further details can be discussed with the Hiring Manager at interview stage. 

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.