Head of Automotive in Thirsk

Permanent Role

Salary: Depending on experience

Location: Multi-site / Twisted Automotive operations

Working Pattern: Full-time, with an expectation of 5 days on-site.

About Us

At Twisted Automotive, we build exceptional vehicles that combine iconic design with modern engineering, craftsmanship and performance. Renowned worldwide for our bespoke re-engineered Defenders and specialist vehicle projects, we are passionate about delivering products of the highest quality while continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and customer experience.

With an expanding portfolio of automotive projects and continued ambitions for growth, we are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Automotive to take responsibility for our wider automotive activities. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction, performance and future development of our automotive business.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced automotive leader to oversee and drive a diverse portfolio of automotive projects across Twisted Group. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the overall performance and delivery of our automotive activities, working across different teams, locations and projects to ensure the highest standards of quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction. From our established Defender programmes through to exciting projects such as the Range Rover Classic, you will provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership, ensuring our projects are delivered commercially, operationally and technically to the standards expected of the Twisted brand.

Working closely with senior leadership, engineering, production, commercial and operational teams, you will be responsible for developing our automotive capabilities, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring the business is positioned for continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction across Twisted's automotive activities, ensuring projects and programmes are delivered in line with business objectives.
• Oversee a varied portfolio of automotive projects, including Defender programmes, Range Rover Classic and other specialist vehicle developments.
• Take ownership of project performance, ensuring delivery schedules, budgets, quality standards and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
• Work closely with department heads and operational teams to ensure effective coordination of resources, people and facilities across the wider automotive business.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, productivity, profitability and overall business performance.
• Monitor and report on key business and project KPIs, identifying risks, challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to management teams, developing a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Work alongside Commercial and Sales teams to support new opportunities, project planning, customer requirements and future business development.
• Ensure appropriate processes and controls are in place to maintain quality, consistency and operational standards across all automotive activities.
• Identify opportunities to develop new products, programmes and capabilities, supporting the continued growth and evolution of Twisted Automotive.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, partners and customers.
• Champion health, safety and compliance across all areas of responsibility.

The Candidate

We are looking for a commercially astute and forward-thinking automotive professional who can combine strategic leadership with a practical understanding of vehicle manufacturing, engineering and project delivery. The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

• Eligibility to work in the UK; no sponsorship will be offered.
• Proven experience in a senior automotive leadership position, such as Head of Automotive, General Manager, Operations Director, Head of Operations or similar.
• A strong background within automotive manufacturing, specialist vehicle production, motorsport or an associated engineering environment.
• Experience overseeing multiple projects, programmes, departments or operational sites.
• A strong understanding of vehicle manufacturing, engineering processes, production planning and project delivery.
• Demonstrable experience managing budgets, financial performance, operational KPIs and commercial objectives.
• The ability to lead, develop and motivate management teams and wider operational workforces.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to identify opportunities, manage costs and improve profitability.
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A strategic mindset, combined with a hands-on approach and the ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine passion for automotive engineering, specialist vehicles and delivering exceptional products.

Why Join Twisted?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a senior leadership position within an ambitious and growing automotive business with an established international reputation. You'll have the opportunity to influence the direction of our wider automotive activities, oversee an exciting and varied portfolio of projects and work alongside talented teams who share a passion for engineering excellence, craftsmanship and innovation. As Twisted continues to evolve and expand its automotive offering, this role will play a significant part in shaping what comes next.

Interested? If you are interested in having a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact our Internal Recruiter, Richard Nield, on (phone number removed) or email your CV.