Automotive

Adding nearly £19bn each year to the UK economy, the automotive industry is integral.  Globally it is predicted to rise to $9 trillion by 2030, and with nearly 60 million passenger cars sold in 2020 alone, it is a sector that is vital.

By 2030, 40% of the automotive industry will be from new vehicle sales.  Therefore, the race is on for engine advancement and the move towards hybrid and electric vehicles.

In a constantly evolving industry, we have been established for over a decade.  Our unique recruitment practice benefits from having the experience and reach that come from this.  It means that we are allied with both the traditional and contemporary automotive developments, whilst at the same time being involved in shaping future automotive advancement.

We provide permanent, contract and interim recruitment solutions across the world, covering the complete automotive product lifecycle, particularly in:

R&D and Advanced Engineering

The race is on to commercially develop new and ambitious automotive technology.

Automotive engineers, technology specialists and scientists are working to overcome all aspects of technological barriers from concept through to engineering. 

From the beginning of the process, design and conceptual design skills have never been more in demand. At the same time, those who can efficiently deliver drivetrain and powertrain solutions are equally held in high regard. Engine transmission is also becoming an increasingly important aspect of the development of automotive solutions and the skills required to deliver this are turning out to be more sought after. 

There is a growing pressure from both consumers and governments to effect real change, especially in the areas of efficiency and environmental impact. All of this is required without forfeiting functionality or increasing prices, which has resulted in an increased demand for certain professionals.

Automotive prototypes are integral parts of the entire automotive engineering process and advanced materials for automotive manufacturing are helping automakers build lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. These are all contributing to new generation vehicles which necessitate the need for particular skills in product development.

Hardware, Software, Systems and Electronics

Whilst the automotive engine was one of the defining developments of the last century, the 21st-century car will be defined by the systems and software that surrounds it. The UK is leading the way in the development of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. As a result, the requirements for skills transcends both traditional and digital. 

Whether perfecting the driver experience through leading-edge infotainment and diagnostics or optimising efficiency through data, automation and vehicle integrations, the significance of software, systems and electronics has grown exponentially. And so too has the requirement for the skills to bring these and the hardware to vehicles.

In an increasingly connected world, the next significant development will be for greater vehicular connectivity, which should lead to greater efficiency and a higher record of safety through interconnected driving. But this will only be achieved with the right people to bring about the change.

Safety, Quality and Test

The safety and reliability of engineering systems is a pre-requisite in the automotive industry. Ultimately, the goal is to lessen the instances of failure, and the consequences of it, whether focusing on small applications or components, or indeed complete engines.

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) has experienced one of the most rapid rises within the automotive industry. It is now a central and crucial part of the development process.  But whilst this phase is essential, the desire to quickly reach conclusions on several areas such as NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), and functional safety, means that there is increasing investment in this area. As a consequence, it is an area that requires highly skilled individuals. 

Reliability can only be achieved when engineers develop enhanced risk modelling competencies, to facilitate improved design and maintenance strategies.

Manufacturing

Aside from geopolitical factors, constant challenges arise for manufacturers. Variations in manufacturing processes, buyer requirements and new advancements all combine to impact the vehicle supply chain network. Planning and purchasing both the raw materials as well as parts is a challenge. It requires supply chain and logistics professionals to reduce costs, improve distribution, and ensure that the right parts get to the right places on time. At the same time, project management is becoming an increasingly relied upon skill, especially when connected to specific programme areas. The delivery of these within budget, on time and to the required quality being of primary significance.

Downtime on any vehicle production line costs thousands of pounds per minute, and so running a tight production operation is key to commercial success. Whilst this has always been the case, the move to the electrification of automotive vehicles presents opportunities and challenges to manufacturers, which need to be addressed.

The key to success within any manufacturer is ensuring that you have the right people in place and that they are working efficiently. HR is crucial to the operational efficiency of any manufacturing plant. Combining people-based initiatives and employer value propositions with commercial sensitivities ensures unrivalled success.

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