Technical Group Leader - Closures & Exteriors

About the job

 WHAT TO EXPECT

 As Technical Group Leader for the Closures and Exteriors group, you will lead the geometric, attribute and system integration for the engineering zone. You will use JLR’s Agile framework to drive Engineering. You will lead cross-functional engineering teams to drive functional and attribute targets and act as the voice of the customer. 

You’ll also develop vehicle-level end-to-end technical delivery plans for key systems, identifying inter-dependencies and maturation versus customer requirements, throughout virtual and physical test phases. Leading the Technical Problem Resolution Cross-Squad / cross-Zone including arbitration and escalation as required.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Accountable as the leader and final technical arbitrator, integrating and delivering the engineering for the given zone whilst ensuring compatibility with GRID, the commodity/system strategies and functional targets
• Lead Group functional integration within the given zone, to drive out complexity and deliver the most efficient technical solutions
• Work closely with the Vehicle Attribute Robustness team to drive delivery of embedded design quality, service and manufacturing requirements
• Drive Zonal Group coordinated technical data progression (VEPS, DV, commodity freezing & releasing) with squads & interfacing with chapter team leads
• Oversee alignment on, and subsequent delivery of, Minimum Viable Product into both virtual and physical verification and validation through the life of the Programme
• Drive Zonal cross-squad obstacle resolution, ensuring timely escalation to nameplate and / or Architecture VEM as required
• Ensure prompt escalation of Zonal technical blockers/incompatibilities to Vehicle/Chapter/Enterprise leadership via the Obstacle process
• Support study & Agile spike activities to solve complex engineering problems

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Automotive technical knowledge and extensive experience in complex interactions, including technical analysis and decision-making
• Experience within Closure and Exteriors Product development areas, bumpers, lids, exteriors
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication, influencing and negotiation skills
• Experience in leading teams of people to solve complex technical issues using a structured approach e.g 8D and/or Six Sigma
• Project Management experience of delivery against a complex set of Programme technical deliverables
• An individual with a customer-first mindset who is easy to do business with and makes people feel special, driven to deliver experiences that are personalised, transparent and dependable.
• Progressive-thinking individual who takes a keen interest in new ideas and key industry developments
• Ability to embrace the Agile model and work effectively as a champion of Agile principles in practice.
• A resilient individual who has strong influencing and engagement skills is comfortable challenging all stakeholders and can build credibility and trust through experience and personal style
• An individual who can demonstrate exceptional capability in leadership and management skills, who can motivate, develop and lead cross-functional and functional teams

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.