At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead industrial engineering activities and optimise manufacturing processes for innovative vehicle programmes.
- Company: Join Lotus Cars, a leader in automotive innovation with a cutting-edge manufacturing facility.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 vacation days, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and a future-proof pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working policy and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vehicle production while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND/Degree in Engineering and experience in a production setting required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Lotus Cars Limited is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer to join our dynamic Operations team at our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Hethel. This role leads Industrial Engineering activities across current and future vehicle programmes, with ownership of headcount planning, capacity modelling, and manufacturing cost definition. It influences programme decisions from early concept through to production, ensuring alignment between manufacturing capability, financial targets, and production strategy.
What You’ll Do
- Lead direct labour definition for new vehicle programmes from PSI through to Program Approval within LPDS.
- Define and agree HPU (Hours per Unit) targets with Finance, track performance post‑PA.
- Participate in Manufacturing workstreams to support Make vs Buy decisions and DFMA strategy.
- Support virtual build events, defining operator allocation, time studies, and capacity validation.
- Own and manage headcount planning processes, including manpower glidepaths, man maps, and labour distribution by department.
- Develop and maintain capacity models aligned with production volumes and programme timing.
- Ensure min/car impact is accurately defined and validated for all engineering changes (DRF / PCR).
- Track off‑standard labour and ensure correct cost allocation in alignment with Finance.
- Lead time‑study activities, ensuring consistency and accuracy across manufacturing.
- Develop waste reduction and efficiency plans and lead their implementation.
- Support and mentor team members in Industrial Engineering methods and tools.
- Support Manufacturing Engineering with cycle line layout planning across product lifecycle, line balancing and workload optimisation, plant rebalancing and line speed adjustments.
- Promote and contribute to a continuous improvement culture, working closely with Manufacturing Engineering and Production.
Qualification – Essential
- HNC / HND / Degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
- Industrial Engineering experience.
- Experience working in a production environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Qualification – Desirable
- Experience in OEM or niche vehicles.
- Experience with Autocad / CATIA.
- Performance rating.
- Experience with Time and Motion Study (MODAPTS, MTM).
What We Offer
- 25 vacation days plus bank holidays.
- Performance bonus scheme.
- Future‑proof pension scheme.
- Private healthcare coverage.
This role will be based at our Hethel plant, within our flexible working policy. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.
Senior Industrial Engineer in Norfolk employer: Group Lotus
Contact Detail:
Group Lotus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Industrial Engineer in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Lotus Cars or in the industrial engineering field. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can discuss your experience with capacity modelling and headcount planning confidently. We want to show them we know our stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled efficiency issues or waste reduction in past roles. We need to demonstrate that we can contribute to their continuous improvement culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Lotus Cars team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Industrial Engineer in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Industrial Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in industrial engineering, especially in production environments, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in Microsoft Excel!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Operations team at Lotus Cars. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve contributed to efficiency improvements or cost reductions in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Group Lotus
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Industrial Engineer, you'll be expected to have a solid grasp of metrics like HPU (Hours per Unit) and capacity modelling. Brush up on these concepts before your interview, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous work that highlight your experience in industrial engineering, especially in a production environment. Talk about your involvement in time studies, waste reduction initiatives, or any successful projects where you led improvements. Real-life examples will make your skills more tangible.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Processes
Research Lotus Cars Limited and their manufacturing processes. Understanding their approach to Make vs Buy decisions and DFMA strategy will help you align your answers with their needs. It also demonstrates your genuine interest in the company and the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their current challenges in headcount planning or how they promote a continuous improvement culture. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also gives you valuable insights into the company’s operations.