Opportunity for Exterior Lead

Role Overview The Exterior Lead will be responsible for end-to-end design, development, and validation of exterior components, with strong focus on bumper systems. The role requires managing full product development lifecycle, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring delivery of robust, cost-effective, and manufacturable designs aligned with OEM requirements. Key Responsibilities 1. Design & Development • Lead design and development of front & rear bumper systems, fascia, grilles, air dams, energy absorbers, carriers, and related exterior trims. • Create/modify 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent tools. • Define engineering specifications, DFMEA, DVP, and design guidelines. • Ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA) for injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, painting, and assembly processes. 2. Project Leadership • Lead cross-functional teams (Styling, CAE, Manufacturing, Purchase, Quality) through product development milestones. • Manage design gateways, feasibility reviews, and engineering change management (ECM/ECR). • Drive timing plans, deliverables, BOM creation, and release processes. 3. Validation & Testing • Coordinate physical and virtual validation: crash requirements, pedestrian protection, durability, environmental tests, fit & finish, gap/flush analysis. • Work closely with CAE teams for simulations (NVH, crash, impact, thermal). • Support prototype build, tooling development, and PPAP/APQP activities. 4. Supplier & Customer Interface • Work with Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers on feasibility, tooling, material selection, and cost optimisation. • Communicate design status/updates to OEM clients and internal stakeholders. • Ensure alignment with global standards, regulations, and homologation needs. Required Skills & Experience • 7–12+ years in automotive exterior design and development with major experience in bumper systems. • Strong hands-on skills in CATIA surface modelling (Class A/B/C), solid modelling, and packaging. • Deep understanding of plastics design, tooling, tolerances, GD&T, fastening strategies, and assembly systems. • Knowledge of material properties (PP, PC+ABS, TPO, ASA, lightweight materials). • Familiarity with global OEM processes (PPAP, APQP, DFMEA, DVP&R). • Excellent problem-solving, cost optimisation, and stakeholder management skills.

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