Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance and lightweight sports cars that are sold all around the world. 

Lotus Cars Limited is the manufacturing site of Lotus in the UK. Here we produce all sportscars types such as the Emira and the Evija. To bring the company to the level we want it to be, we are looking for a Production Director in the manufacturing department to join us in our manufacturing plant based in Hethel. 

Summary:

Responsible for vehicle production at Hethel, working with the Production Director at our chassis assembly facility, to develop and lead a world-class manufacturing team who build Lotus sports cars.

The role will support the development of an ongoing strategy aligned to Vision 80 and beyond, and drive successful activities to achieve world-class manufacturing and the most efficient Lotus Production system.

Achievement of the highest quality products on time, on cost, with continuous improvements in both standardised processes and efficiencies. Responsible for ensuring our high standards of health and safety in the production environment are maintained.

Working as one team within Lotus to support the company objectives (direct and indirect) on an annual basis.

What you'll do:

• Develop the future manufacturing operations strategies to support Vision 80 company strategy
• Development of the leadership team & succession planning to ensure a High Performance culture across production
• Drive the application of strategic objectives to support the operations strategy house and Vision 80
• Ensure a safe & environmentally compliant working environment for all areas and instill the same thinking across the business
• Responsible for departmental KPI delivery for operational performance and develop gap closure plans
• Prepare and support internal & external process/systems audit activities to prevent non-conformities across operations
• Ensures production readiness to take launch preparation from pre-production & SOP ramp-up into a production environment
• Achieve all manufacturing volumes, continually improve production efficiency, plus drive for perfect quality through built in quality working closely with relevant internal functions
• Assure vehicle build is to standardised processes to ensure compliance to appropriate legal, regulatory and market regulations
• Be responsible for day-to-day management and leadership of all manufacturing areas utilising resources in an optimal manner
• Development and control of manufacturing budgets, with constant challenge for cost savings and efficiencies without detriment to quality and productivity
• Work with other Directors and peers in strategic and transformational activities with a one team approach
• Performance management of the manufacturing team and identification of training needs
• Continual drive to develop and improve all manufacturing procedures, policies and standards
• Present to all levels of the business from Gen Ops to CEO as required

What you'll bring:

Essential criteria:

• Degree / MBA / HNC Mechanical & Production Engineering or equivalent qualifications

• Specialist Automotive knowledge and experience of running low to mid volume assembly operations

• Experience of operating in a lean environment

• Solid communication capabilities, both oral and written, at all levels

• Formal continuous improvement & problem solving training

• Clear understanding of Health & Safety and environment requirements

• Experience of high levels of quality of process and products

Skills and Aptitudes

• A keen eye for detail and a willingness to be hands-on when required

• Strategic thinker with a can do attitude to deliver on time

• Have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and drive others

• Have a one team ethos; be collaborative and have the ability to work well across all functions of the business

• Automotive Experience in OEM essential, preferably in Operations/Production environment

Personal Attributes

• Strong personal motivation and a desire to succeed

• Driven and persistent with high energy levels – absorb pressure and drive for results on time

• Flexible and adaptive – able to deal effectively with complexity, ambiguity and change

• Extremely focused – able to zero-in on key issues and make well thought out decisions

• Strong personal presence, possessing a natural authority

• A natural leader who inspires passion and commitment

• Commercially astute and results oriented

• Sets high standards for themselves and others

• Unquestionable personal and professional integrity

• Demonstrates full accountability and responsibility

What we offer:

• We provide access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS) Volvo or Mercedes 
• 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays
• Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with a non-contractual bonus scheme
• Future-Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
• Private Healthcare: with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.

Additional Information:

• This role will be working from our Hethel plant based in Norfolk. Travel expenses will not be paid as an addition, however relocation packages can be discussed. 

Our Company:

Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with a 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. Read more here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Lotus Cars.

Do you want to know what Sophisticated, Rebellious and Pioneering mean for Lotus Cars Limited? Come and take a look at our career site and join the incredible adventure: https://lotusukmanufacturing.teamtailor.com/