Automotive Platform Development Manager

PPL

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables Technical

SoR/Drawings Finalization

• Ensure timely finalization of Statement of Requirements (SoR) and drawings with supplier input and cost feasibility in coordination with PEL.

• Facilitate comprehensive and timely feedback from SBC on material cost assessments.

• Secure supplier feedback promptly to support design and cost alignment.

Technical Sign-Off

• Complete technical sign-off in coordination with PEL and COE to validate supplier capability against TCP targets.

• Ensure only technically compliant suppliers are approved for sourcing.

Techno-Commercial

SBC & Quote Synthesis

• Deliver part development within TCP targets by synthesizing SBC and supplier quotes.

• Ensure timely and high-quality quote synthesis, including supplier feedback, capex/investment details, part pricing, and process specifications.

• Validate supplier capacity to meet projected volumes on time and at scale.

• Make informed decisions on cost trade-offs to minimize TCP deviations at the vehicle level.

• Align assumptions across SBC, SoR, and quote synthesis to ensure supplier quotes and SBC are closely matched.

• Maintain a supplier panel capable of meeting TCP targets for all parts.

Commercial

Supplier Panel & VoB Coordination

• Work with SSU and PSL to ensure timely closure of supplier onboarding.

• Confirm that only suppliers who have cleared technical sign-off are included in the panel.

Part Development

BOM & Capex Management

• Maintain part-wise Bill of Materials (BOM) and ensure capex requirements are met for part development.

• Deliver parts within material cost targets and budgeted investment for bought-out components.

• Ensure parts meet quality standards as per Project MRD2.

Experience

Experience:

The ideal candidate should possess significant experience in automotive platform development, encompassing technical, commercial, and supplier management facets. Experience of working in cross-disciplinary teams covering procurement, engineering, quality assurance, and supplier quality management is essential. The candidate should have a proven track record in:

• Managing technical drawings, specifications, and supplier engagements in a project-driven environment.
• Executing cost analyses, including Standard Buy Costing (SBC), supplier quote synthesis, and capital expenditure control aligned to TCP targets.
• Coordinating supplier selection processes, technical evaluations, and onboarding procedures within automotive supply chains.
• Overseeing part development life cycles from concept through to supplier approval and production launch phases.
• Collaborating with diverse internal stakeholders such as Product Engineering Leads, Centre of Excellence teams, Supplier Quality Engineers, and Supply Chain Management.

Experience with industry-standard tools for material costing, project management, and quality control will be advantageous. Prior involvement in risk assessments and technical-commercial decision-making processes within Supplier Panels or Preferred Supplier Lists will strengthen candidacy.

Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with suppliers and internal departments, along with the ability to operate within dynamic environments with competing priorities, are essential attributes. Familiarity with automotive industry regulations, standards and development processes will be expected.

Industry Preferred

Industry Preferred:

Experience within the automotive manufacturing sector is highly preferred, particularly within domains focused on vehicle platform development and component sourcing. Candidates with backgrounds entrenched in the following industries will find this role appealing and relevant:

• Automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers involved in systems and sub-systems development.
• Engineering consultancies or R&D centres specialising in automotive product development.
• Manufacturing organisations with extensive operations in supply chain coordination and vendor management for vehicle parts.
• Companies engaged in mass production of automotive components adhering to stringent cost and quality targets.

Familiarity with automotive project methodologies, technical standards, and supplier engagement practices within such environments will greatly assist in succeeding within this position.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

The candidate should hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Automotive, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering disciplines. Advanced qualifications such as a Master's degree or relevant certifications in supply chain management, project management (PMP/Prince2), or quality systems (Six Sigma, APQP) are desirable but not mandatory.

Essential educational and professional credentials include:

• Strong foundational knowledge of engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in technical documentation, cost analysis, and supplier evaluation techniques.
• Proficiency with computer applications relating to project tracking, cost modelling, and quality assurance systems.
• Continuous learning orientation with willingness to pursue further training and certifications aligned with evolving industry standards.

The successful candidate will exhibit a commitment to technical excellence while embracing commercial sensibilities critical to platforms and product development within automotive contexts.

General Requirements

General Requirements:

• Strong organisational and multitasking skills to effectively handle various components of platform development simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication capabilities to foster teamwork across engineering, procurement, supplier management, and quality assurance functions.
• Ability to travel as required to supplier sites, cross-functional meetings or workshops to support timely execution of project deliverables.
• Demonstrated problem-solving aptitude with a pragmatic approach to cost optimisation and quality assurance challenges.
• Capacity to work under pressure within fast-paced environments and adhere to tight deadlines while maintaining high standards.
• Proactive mindset with aptitude for continuous improvement and innovation in processes and workflows.
• Commitment to ethical standards, safety policies and compliance with organisational regulations.

Experience LevelSenior Level

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