Component Manager in Ystradgynlais

To manage a team for development of multiple wire harness related component families (e.g. protectors, grommets, brackets). Take in charge the totality of the development, from supplier consultation until customer approval for new developments, catalogue parts and/or modifications in mass production parts. To manage / follow up of the related integration on the project, validations and internal and customer qualifications. Provide technical support, manage technical subjects with suppliers and develop own expertise. Technical lead with expertise in tooling, specification and validation requirements. Tasks will include but not be limited to:

Manage the multidisciplinary team to ensure:

• Specifying the necessary technical elements to the purchasing department allowing it to proceed with quotation requests and participate in the selection of the expert supplier
• The organisation and management of technical meetings, design reviews and assembly mockup trials with the customers, suppliers and internally are arranged, in accordance with technical, planning and quality requirements
• Monitoring the development, feasibility, costs and schedule of modifications with appropriate travel to customer and supplier sites and occasionally to various sites of the group
• The analysis of lessons learned and risks as well as the implementation of action and validation plans in accordance with the client’s and internal requirements
• Updating customer drawings, user manuals and PSW documents in a timely manner for customer qualification of supported components

Know customer specifications and proactively analyse the impact of any changes. Work with customers to ensure their feasibility and/or challenge the client by justifying the changes to be made

Ensure technology evolution monitoring; identify and lead VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) and/or inter-project synergy

Provide technical support to Sumitomo’s teams, suppliers and customers

Participate in supplier panel reviews including technical evaluation of potential new supplier design, development and validation capabilities

Mentoring and coaching of junior team members, verification of delegated tasks and monitoring their personal development

Reporting for own activity and team members

Hierarchical management of a team including annual individual assessment reviews, objectives, workload forecast, annual leave, recruitment, promotions, application of rules, selection of Sub-contractor/service providers and related requisition administrator

Support the growth of activities, the evolution of products and the performance of the department and the Business Units, to obtain the expected results

Develop and continuously improve workflow, processes and tools used by the team

Ensure collaboration with the group’s engineering entities, our customers and suppliers

Carry out other comparable duties as required by the Line Manager.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience required

International profile including management of local and remote teams

Minimum 10 years of experience in D&D functions, in an industrial environment

Highly specialized knowledge of automotive technology, processes and products (wiring associated parts including plastic protectors, grommets and metal brackets) for the development of innovative / fundamental concepts for long term developments

Special Conditions

Able to work unsociable working hours when necessary

Regular travel to engage with remote team members located in France

Must have the existing right to live and work in the UK.

Safe and ethical working including respect of confidentiality