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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in advanced manufacturing and engineering for luxury vehicle programmes.
- Company: Top-tier consultancy with a focus on cutting-edge automotive solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Short-term project with potential for future opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on product development in the automotive sector.
- Qualifications: Director-level experience in consultancy and expertise in NPD/NPI optimisation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
One of our leading consultancies are seeking a Director-level Consultant to join the team to support on a project with a client in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector. You will lead the direction and delivery of a New Product Development (NPD) acceleration programme for a complex, low-volume platform manufacturer, working closely with senior leadership and engineering teams. You will report into the executive leadership team, with the objective of optimising product development performance, governance, and cross-functional integration.
Responsibilities
- Advise senior management teams on optimising NPD and NPI processes for complex, low-volume (luxury) vehicle programmes
- Design and implement Stage-Gate frameworks and Chief Engineer governance models
- Support executive stakeholders across automotive, aerospace, marine, and defence sectors
- Lead modular architecture and platform strategy transformations with engineering functions
- Apply QFD, MFD, and DSM methodologies to enhance cross-functional product integration
- Deliver platform rationalisation initiatives across portfolios of 10-20+ product variants
- Guide PLM and digital thread enhancements
- Translate capability gaps into prioritised and costed investment roadmaps
- Bridge engineering and leadership teams through structured, data-driven decision-making support
- Lead end-to-end transformation programmes and ensure sustained adoption beyond initial delivery
Requirements
- Proven experience operating at Director level within a top‑tier consultancy
- Strong track record advising on NPD/NPI optimisation within complex, low-volume manufacturing environments
- Deep expertise in product development governance frameworks such as Stage‑Gate and Engineer models
- Experience working across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, marine, or defence
- Demonstrated capability in modular architecture, platform strategy, and engineering transformation
- Practical application of QFD, MFD, DSM, and other systems engineering methodologies
- Experience delivering rationalisation programmes across diverse product portfolios
- Strong knowledge of PLM systems and digital thread technologies
- Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and translate technical insights into strategic action
- Experience leading large‑scale transformation programmes with measurable, sustained outcomes
Details
- Start date: Mid‑May 2026
- Duration: 4-6 Weeks
- Day rate: LTD
- Location: Client site visits + events
Director (Manufacturing - Automotive) in London employer: Freshminds Interim
Contact Detail:
Freshminds Interim Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director (Manufacturing - Automotive) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience in NPD optimisation can directly benefit their goals. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your vision for leading transformations in complex manufacturing environments. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and we want to make sure your application stands out. Let’s get you that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director (Manufacturing - Automotive) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director in Manufacturing and Engineering. Highlight your experience with NPD/NPI optimisation and any relevant frameworks like Stage-Gate. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in complex, low-volume manufacturing environments. Let us know how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Director, you'll be leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your leadership experiences and how you've successfully guided teams through transformation programmes. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive change!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshminds Interim
✨Know Your NPD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've optimised these processes, especially in complex, low-volume manufacturing environments.
✨Master the Stage-Gate Framework
Familiarise yourself with Stage-Gate frameworks and Chief Engineer governance models. Prepare to explain how you've designed or implemented these frameworks in previous roles, and be ready to discuss their impact on product development performance.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Highlight your ability to bridge engineering and leadership teams. Think of instances where you've used data-driven decision-making to support executive stakeholders, and be prepared to share how you enhanced cross-functional integration in your projects.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since you'll be engaging with senior management, practice articulating technical insights in a way that translates into strategic actions. Have examples ready that demonstrate your influence over senior stakeholders and how you've led large-scale transformation programmes with measurable outcomes.