Design Engineering - Head of Interiors

Singer UK - Head of Interior EngineeringSince 2009, our focus has been the pursuit of a meticulously restored and reimagined air-cooled Porsche 911. Our lofty objective to distil, enhance and recombine the strands of greatness that have long marked the Porsche 911 as iconic.Today, the cars we restore to bespoke commission for our global clientele appear in the world’s most prestigious global automotive shows and publications.The CompanySinger Vehicle Design was formed in 2009 to explore the creative possibilities within the vibrant world of the classic automobile. We are dedicated to the passionate study, preservation and optimisation of the world’s most respected high-performance vehicles.There are no shortcuts to achieve this. Every detail is considered and finessed. The highest standards of execution and finish reflect our company’s quest for excellence in all areas.Our vehicles demonstrate our obsession for detail and quality to the highest level.Our philosophy remains Everything is Important.http://singervehicledesign.comReports to: Vice President of EngineeringMember of: EngineeringLocation: Woodford Halse, Northamptonshire, NN11 3UBJob PurposeReporting to the Vice President of Engineering, this role will be responsible for leading a team dedicated to the design, engineering and development of the interior content for all Singer vehicle programmes.This role will provide ownership of interior design from styling concept and surface release all the way through to released 3D and 2D CAD, ensuring all projects in the operating plan are delivered on time, on budget and to specification.The role will contribute to the creation and implementation of best practice Engineering processes, vision, strategy, policies, and procedures to aid and improve operational performance.Main ResponsibilitiesOwn the specification, design, development and validation testing of vehicle interior content providing technical direction, sourcing strategy, DFA and DFM.Define and implement the interior strategy aligned with corporate and product goals and market trendsDevelop and manage the strategy of outsourcing engineering activity to partners to balance our internal headcount and ensure on activity is delivered on time within budget.Working with Supply Chain Management to ensure delivery of components and assemblies on schedule for all phases of prototype, pilot, pre-production, and production build.Conduct research and benchmarking on industry trends, competitor vehicles, and consumer insights to drive continuous improvement.Preparation and presentation of material to support project status reviews.Overseeing all department project engineering to guarantee vehicle interior engineering projects are delivered on time, on budget and to specification. Seeks to drive continuous improvement in technology, engineering, and delivery.Identify and implement best practice engineering processes, improving robustness in our engineering integrityStays abreast of new developments and techniques in the fields of luxury upholstery, materials, and interior design to ensure the Singer brand is consistently recognized as unique in its market position.Incorporates clients’ unique requests and special wishes into the interior design, engineering, and manufacturing processLead the team responsible for specific vehicle programme requirements including:System Specification DFMEA, DVP, Vehicle / System level test specsSystem Budgets & Expenditure including supporting setting system budgetsSystem Timing & Delivery including design, release (ETRS), development and validation plansSystem planning & allocationSystem BOM management & trackingRobust issue resolutionWith the Programme Management team, own delivery for all projects in line with SCDP (Singer Creative Development Plan) and ensure the cascaded KPIs are on trackProvide authority on the EBOM to all stakeholders, ensuring project delivery is on time and to budgetWork with the Supply Chain and Manufacturing departments to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability is effective to meet product and process requirements.Knowledge, Skills, And ExperienceA high level of technical knowledge & experience of vehicle interior component and assembly design, test & production delivery processes.PC literate and a competent user of MS Office products.Experienced in OEM and/ or Engineering ServicesExperience of high value and niche vehicle (low volume) programmes5 years of experience in automotive interior engineering, including leadership rolesPersonal SpecificationMust have great attention to detailEnergetic, proactive, calm under pressure, personable and mature personalityReliable and punctualStrong team-worker – ability to thrive in a small, closely-knit teamFlexibility – being prepared to work longer hours when occasionally requiredBecome familiar with and work to the company’s health and safety standardsAdvise and report on any issues relating to health and safetyTo comply with all company policies and proceduresSupport other departments when requiredDemonstrable leadership behaviours including being able to lead by example, lead negotiations influence stakeholders, be a coach and mentor.Takes ownership for team cohesion and team development.Excellent leadership and man- management skills.Ability to manage a variety of cross-functional team members.Commercially aware.Qualifications And TrainingMechanical or Automotive Engineering Degree or relevant experienceFormal management qualifications advantageous