IT PLM Lead in Norwich

Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe. Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all-electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking an IT PLM Lead to join our dynamic IT team at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hethel.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced IT PLM Lead to join our IT team at Hethel and take responsibility for the strategic direction, ongoing support and lifecycle management of our Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems. This is a key role supporting business-critical IT products used across Lotus Engineering, Manufacturing and wider product programmes. You will ensure our PLM solutions remain relevant, reliable and capable of supporting the continued growth and development of the business. You will manage the full application lifecycle, from the successful transition of projects into production through to capacity, release, change and service management. As a subject matter expert, you will work closely with teams across the business to ensure our PLM environment delivers an effective, integrated and high-quality service.

What you'll do

• Provide 2nd and 3rd line support for the Teamcenter PLM solution.
• Act as the subject matter expert for PLM systems and associated IT solutions.
• Support and guide the business in the effective use of PLM technologies.
• Manage governance processes around IT products, including change, prioritisation, maintenance and releases.
• Manage the application lifecycle and ensure successful handover from project delivery into production and ongoing support.
• Work closely with CAx, Engineering and Manufacturing teams to maintain an integrated technical computing environment.
• Identify, assess and manage risks associated with the delivery and operation of PLM solutions.
• Manage third-party suppliers and Group IT resources, ensuring agreed service levels and performance expectations are achieved.
• Support the business in moving towards more frequent and automated software and solution releases, minimising disruption and reducing defects.
• Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and successful deployment of changes into the business.
• Ensure appropriate Service Level Agreements are established and maintained for business-critical applications.
• Continually identify opportunities to improve system performance, processes and the overall user experience.

Who you'll work with

You'll build strong relationships across Lotus and work closely with a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Engineering, PLM, BOM and Manufacturing teams
• Business and IT product owners
• IT Service Desk and wider IT colleagues
• CAx and technical computing teams
• External IT suppliers and technology partners
• Group IT and Geely teams

You'll play an important role in introducing new technologies, supporting business change and ensuring effective testing, deployment and ongoing ownership of our PLM solutions.

What we're looking for

Essential

• Strong experience supporting Teamcenter within a PLM environment.
• Detailed knowledge of PLM systems and their application within a complex organisation.
• Experience of IT Application Lifecycle Management.
• Knowledge and practical experience of IT Service Management and ITIL principles.
• Experience managing IT suppliers and third-party service providers.
• A relevant degree or equivalent experience.
• Broad knowledge of engineering-related IT systems.
• Strong technical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to use system configuration to resolve complex operational issues.
• Experience working within a complex landscape of interconnected software and technology.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Experience deploying and supporting IT solutions within the automotive industry.
• Experience working with PLM systems within an engineering and/or manufacturing environment.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to build trusted relationships across the business. You'll be:

• A confident communicator and influencer.
• Collaborative and comfortable working across multiple teams.
• Analytical and logical in your approach to problem-solving.
• Able to make effective decisions under pressure.
• Credible when working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Proactive in developing your own knowledge and supporting the development of others.
• Flexible and adaptable in a changing environment.
• Someone who demonstrates strong integrity and accountability.

Additional information

The role is based at Hethel, Norfolk and will require the ability to travel to other Lotus sites and supplier locations when required. Flexible working options may be available depending on business requirements.

What we offer:

• We provide access to a Company Car scheme.
• 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge-watch your favourite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.
• Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non-contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.
• Future-Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
• Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress-free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.
• We work hybrid, meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you're needed there, but will need to be in Hethel 2-3 days per week.

Additional Information: This role will be working from our Hethel plant within our flexible working policy. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without VISA sponsorship.

Our Company: Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV, and in 2023 our fully-electric Hyper-GT, Emeya. As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them. Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship-winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines. We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation.