At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new OEM product line in energy storage.
- Company: Join Rimac Energy, a fast-paced innovator in power conversion and battery management.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, educational budget, remote work options, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team that values initiative and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy systems and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in programme leadership with experience in energy storage or power electronics.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Rimac Energy develops the future of power conversion and battery management, extracting the maximum performance potential of battery energy storage systems.
We engineer the hardware, software, and intelligence that improve efficiency, usable energy, and lifetime.
Our edge is deep integration - power conversion built into the battery module itself, with batteries, power electronics, software, and thermal management engineered as one system, European-designed and built.
We are fast-moving, technically ambitious, and results-driven, and you will work on genuinely complex problems alongside people who care deeply about what they build.
We expect a lot, and we offer a lot: real ownership, real products, and the chance to contribute to technology that pushes the boundaries of what energy systems can do.
About the role
We are creating a new OEM product line from a blank sheet, built around proven technology we already own - and we are hiring one person to build it: the delivery model, the partner ecosystem and the product launch itself.
Day one, it is a strategic programme reporting to the Head of Programme Management & Supply Chain.
The intent is that it becomes a business unit, and the person who builds it is positioned to lead it.
We have developed our own utility-scale power conversion system (PCS).
It is our core IP, in design validation now, with full product certification expected within six to eight months.
That technology is already commercial: it sits under a signed supply agreement with an established global energy storage player, with the first order and payment received and start of production targeted for 2027.
We also own the battery management system and its associated software.
What we are building now is a complete battery energy storage system, designed around our own PCS and sold under our own name, delivered through an asset‑light operating model: battery modules from a tier-one module partner under a long‑term supply agreement; manufacturing through a contract manufacturer - we free‑issue our PCS, modules ship direct from the partner, and the CM owns the balance‑of‑system supply chain (enclosure, HVAC, fire suppression, ancillaries) plus integration and end‑of‑line test; and an energy management system from a partner open to integrating our in‑house algorithms and software.
Today there are no partners signed. A part‑time team holds a starting‑point product specification and initial market canvassing is complete - we are effectively pre‑RFI.
The decisions made in this role will shape the company's product portfolio and lay the foundation of a scalable OEM business.
This role is based at our Witney, Oxfordshire site, with hybrid working by agreement and regular international travel.
Responsibilities
- Own the programme end to end, from product definition through to the first production units, on roughly a two‑year horizon
- Lead partner identification and selection across battery modules, contract manufacturing and EMS - market scanning, RFI, RFQ, technical and commercial evaluation, supplier audits and down‑selection
- Lead contract negotiation, working with legal and finance - module supply agreements (pricing and raw‑material indexation, capacity reservation, warranties and performance guarantees), the CM manufacturing services agreement (NRE and tooling, quality agreement, liability and logistics) and the EMS partnership
- Coordinate product integration across mechanical, electrical, thermal, safety, controls and serviceability, and establish change control across design authority, module partner, EMS partner and CM
- Own the certification roadmap for the integrated product (for example UL 9540 and 9540A, UL 1741 SB / IEEE 1547, IEC 62619 and 62933, NFPA 855, CE/UKCA, as target markets dictate), building on the PCS's own certifications
- Drive industrialisation - design transfer, prototype and pilot builds, process validation, PPAP‑style qualification, ramp readiness and first deployments
- Build the business case, governance and executive reporting, and hire and shape the initial team as the programme matures into a business unit
Requirements
- 10+ years of programme or NPI leadership in energy storage, power electronics, automotive/EV or comparable complex electro‑mechanical hardware
- At least one physical product taken from concept to start of production, including significant supplier‑manufactured content
- Personally led supplier selection from RFI through to award, and negotiated substantial supply or manufacturing agreements
- Experience working with or at contract manufacturers, or managing outsourced manufacturing
- Strong commercial and cost literacy - should‑cost, total cost of ownership, tooling and NRE, pricing mechanisms
- Product certification or homologation exposure, and the design‑freeze discipline it demands
- The ability to thrive in ambiguity - building structure, governance and teams from nothing, while staying credible in front of executives and partners
- An engineering degree or equivalent
- Willingness to travel internationally approx. 30–40% of the time, including to supplier sites in Europe and Asia
- Considered as an Advantage
- BESS or stationary storage domain knowledge - modules and packs, thermal management, fire safety, UL 9540/9540A, NFPA 855, IEC 62619/62933, grid interconnection standards
- Battery supply market fluency - the LFP landscape, raw‑material indexation, capacity dynamics and supplier bankability
- Trade and regulatory awareness relevant to target markets - tariffs, IRA §45X, FEOC screening
- Start‑up or scale‑up experience; an advanced degree in systems engineering or business
- Additional languages relevant to a global supply base
What We Offer
- Fast‑paced environment where practical problem‑solving and initiative are genuinely valued
- Continuous learning and development, with exposure to rapidly evolving energy and power electronics technology
- A friendly, ambitious team that works hard and takes pride in what it builds
- Educational budget – at Rimac Energy, we believe in the importance of continuous learning.
We provide an educational budget to support your growth, and we actively encourage you to expand your knowledge and skills.
- 26 days of annual leave plus 8 public holidays
- 5 days of paid marriage leave
- 10 days of fully paid sick leave
- 4 months of paid maternity leave and 2 weeks of paternity leave
- Company pension scheme with auto‑enrolment
- AXA & Medicash private medical insurance for you and your immediate family
- Service awards to recognise loyalty
- Remote working day by agreement
- Pet‑friendly workplace – our Pawject Managers are always welcome
- Relaxation zones and daily fresh fruit in the office
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Programme Manager in Witney employer: Rimac Energy
Rimac Energy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Witney, Oxfordshire, where innovation meets real-world impact. Employees enjoy meaningful ownership of their projects, continuous learning opportunities, and a supportive culture that values initiative and problem-solving. With benefits like private medical insurance, a pet-friendly workplace, and a commitment to employee growth, Rimac Energy stands out as a place where you can truly thrive while contributing to the future of energy technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager in Witney
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Programme Manager role you’re after at Rimac Energy.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Rimac Energy.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Programme Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Rimac Energy a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Rimac Energy specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rimac Energy
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Rimac Energy, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Rimac Energy want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
