Technical Manager – Vehicle Control Systems (HCP4) in Cheshire, Warrington

Contract: Until 30/06/2026 (will extend)

Hours: 37 per week

Location: Crewe (Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite per week)

Travel: Occasional international travel to Europe (3–4 times per year)

Driving licence required

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Overview

We are seeking a Technical Manager – Vehicle Control Systems (HCP4) to act as the technical authority for HCP4 (High Performance Computer 4) across BEV and PHEV electrical architectures. This role provides deep technical leadership, ensuring successful software, hardware, and system delivery within agreed cost, quality, and timing targets.

The Technical Manager – Vehicle Control Systems (HCP4) will translate complex technical specifications, manage test and validation activities, and coordinate vehicle and rig-based evaluations. The role demands both technical expertise and the ability to present findings clearly to cross-functional and senior audiences.

Day in the Life

• Interpret and apply complex technical specifications to ensure system compliance.
• Conduct and oversee software validation and testing, including data set creation, test plans, and ECU coding table management.
• Manage and track deliverables using KPIs, reporting tools, and function maturity plans.
• Support vehicle and rig testing, ensuring systems meet functional and attribute targets.
• Provide regular project updates to quality and whole-vehicle teams, communicating technical progress and risks effectively.
• Use Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) to prepare technical documentation and high-impact presentations.
• Lead issue resolution and concern management, implementing effective containment and corrective actions.
• Engage in cross-functional and supplier collaboration, supporting delivery from concept through build phases to market launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Technical Manager – Vehicle Control Systems (HCP4), accountable for on-time delivery of electrical and control systems across BEV/PHEV programmes.
• Develop and maintain specialist technical and business knowledge to provide strategic direction.
• Propose and implement process and method improvements to enhance departmental capability.
• Support and guide other feature owners to ensure technical consistency across platforms.
• Ensure factual and effective communication at all levels, representing the function in technical reviews and meetings.
• Manage supplier interactions and outsourced work packages, ensuring compliance with quality and performance standards.
• Provide technical input into concept and strategy planning, supporting technical roadmaps and innovation.

Skills & Experience

• Proven background in ECU delivery or electrical system development within an Automotive OEM (or similar industry such as aerospace).
• Hands-on experience of the complete product lifecycle, from concept through to production and market introduction.
• Working knowledge of software testing, dataset creation, and coding logic within ECU frameworks.
• Understanding of vehicle electrical architectures and system integration principles.
• Project management experience with the ability to plan, track, and report technical progress.
• Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with automotive engineering systems and toolsets desirable.

Qualifications

• Degree in an Engineering discipline or equivalent experience (essential).
• Higher engineering qualification (Master’s or equivalent) advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) desirable.

Please note this role is deemed inside of IR35. The Umbrella Pay Rate offered is inclusive of the Assignment pay rate, holiday pay and Apex Recruitment’s contribution towards Employer Costs.