Component Manager in Ystradgynlais

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Europe) Ltd employs in excess of 30,000 people across Europe and North Africa. Automotive engineering is our industry, and we are proud of the diverse team of world-class engineers and support staff who work at the highest level to provide products and services to our customers. Our people are our greatest asset and respect for human resources is a fundamental principle of the Sumitomo Business Spirit.

Type of contract: Permanent

Place of Work: Ystradgynlais, UK

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a team for development of multiple wire harness related component families (e.g. protectors, grommets, brackets).
• Take charge of the totality of the development, from supplier consultation until customer approval for new developments, catalogue parts and/or modifications in mass production parts.
• Manage/follow up on 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

• Engineering degree.
• 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.
• Fluent English required. French language desired.

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.

Competencies Required

• Safe and ethical working including respect of confidentiality.
• Technical capability.
• Quality.
• Customer and commercial focus.

Job Related Competencies

• Teamwork.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Managing change.
• Leadership.
• Attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness.
• Planning.