Purpose of the Post:
- To lead SMMT’s activities in the automotive technology and innovation arena to deliver on SMMT’s business and policy objectives, working closely with members and colleagues across the organisation
- To maximise opportunities for UK automotive from emerging trends in research, innovation and technology that will shape future mobility and automotive products and services, by
- expanding SMMT’s role as expert partner and influencer of policy and funding opportunities with government, the Automotive Council Technology Group, TSB, catapults, universities and other bodies in support of the automotive sector’s industrial strategy
- promoting SMMT as the premier source of information, expertise and influence and the central facilitator and support organisation for current and prospective SMMT members to access funding, information and networking opportunities for RandD, innovation and e-mobility
- developing SMMT expertise and activities in emerging technology and mobility fields (e.g. connectivity) to define and secure the interests of UK automotive in these critical areas and attract innovative companies from automotive and related industries into SMMT membership
- To work with colleagues and stakeholders in developing a technology and innovation strategy for SMMT
Qualifications/Skills/Attributes required:
- Degree educated, ideally with post-graduate qualification in a related field
- 5 years+ professional experience in at least one of the following areas: automotive technology and engineering; e-mobility; connectivity/ITS; communication/networking; innovation policy, funding and institutions.
- Highly motivated team player with good commercial awareness, experienced in leading and working in teams and able to apply him-/herself to a diverse range of technical, commercial or policy issues
- Excellent communications skills (oral/written), interpersonal skills, and diplomacy to be able to develop influential relationships with members, government and key stakeholders
- Proven project management skills, able to effectively deliver initiatives and managing complex issues to tight deadlines
- Proven experience in managing junior colleagues effectively
- Keen interest in emerging vehicle technologies, e-mobility and connectivity agenda
- Good computer skills – competent use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and databases/CRM systems
Main duties include:
- To provide leadership and coordination on all aspects of SMMT’s technology and innovation agenda among colleagues, member companies and external stakeholder
- To create opportunities for SMMT to influence UK and EU innovation policy and funding opportunities by collaborating with government, industry and stakeholders in key fora and initiatives
- To effectively communicate automotive technology and innovation developments and funding opportunities (UK/EU) and promote related SMMT’s services to current and prospective members
- To represent SMMT on the Automotive Council Technology Group, coordinate SMMT input with members and colleagues, and support the implementation of the sector’s strategic Research and Development agenda
- To lead SMMT’s e-mobility activities, running the SMMT Electric Vehicle Group, providing management support for the ‘Go Ultra Low’ campaign, and coordinating the e-mobility team
- To provide the secretariat of the SMMT Design Engineering Group and review its membership, objectives and agenda
- To manage SMMT’s relationships with key innovation funding and delivery bodies (incl. TSB, APC, catapults, Surface Transport Knowledge Network) to secure alignment with industry priorities
- To establish a closer relationship and influence on the European technology, innovation and e-mobility agenda (including Horizon 2020, EUCAR, CLEPA)
- To increase SMMT internal awareness on SMMT technology and innovation agenda through proactive communication with colleagues, effective briefing of senior management and collaboration across teams
- To develop with colleagues SMMT’s future strategy, products and services across the innovation and technology spectrum, incl. wider ultra low carbon technologies and fuels portfolio, connectivity, and future mobility
Salary and benefits package:
The package includes private medical insurance, company pension scheme, flexi time, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), childcare vouchers, interest free season ticket loan (after 6 months).
Deadline for Applications:
08 August 2014
Method of Application:
Prospective candidates should e-mail jobsweb@smmt.co.uk with a CV and covering letter quoting your salary expectations.
Early applications are encouraged as interviews will take place and the position offered before this date if a suitable candidate is found.