Early Careers, Engineering, Hints and Tips, Home Page, Manufacturing Engineering, People, Undergraduate, United Kingdom, Who We Are

I have a future here at JLR

Meet our incredible Ana. Find out what motivated her to join JLR and what inspired her to re-join the company after her graduation.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.

I am an Electronic & Complex System undergrad and I am a part of the Semiconductor Resilience Team. Our team is responsible for the hardware, making sure the obsolete semiconductor components have a viable replacement. In addition, we make sure the schematics and a bill of materials (BOMs) are aligned.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.

I am part of the Women In Engineering & Allies network, with the aim to include as many people as possible, in the gender diversity discussions and to promote a diverse and inclusive working environment within engineering and the wilder business. I am also a key member of the REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) network and the African and Caribbean Heritage Network community. I feel that my African and Caribbean heritage allows me to offer my unique experiences and knowledge to further support these networks.

Additionally, I am part of the DRIVEN project. It is a team of JLR employees ages between 16-25 who race an endurance single seater electric car at race circuits around the UK against 70+ competitors from various universities, schools and other engineering companies globally, such as Cummins, Renishaw and Rolls Royce, in the international Greenpower F24+ Racing Series.

I am also part of the ESAC (Electrical, Software and Controls) and the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) teams. We are working on improving the design of the new car that is going to be used for the races, for ESAC is to work on the Electronic Systems of the cars and CAD to provide support over the design of the car in 3D experience.

Q: What do you like about working here?

As a black woman in Engineering, I was a bit sceptical when I fist joined the company. I then quickly discovered I am actually working for a diverse and inclusive company, with a wide range of projects that are accessible to young men and women like myself. There are so many opportunities here at JLR, full of passionate and talented people. It is a really exciting time to be part of this company, with new House of Brands, electrification, autonomous driving, company’s commitment to drive sustainability – these are just some of the reasons I really enjoy working here.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal?

One of my career aspirations is to become a Chartered Engineer. Being an undergraduate, this dream has always felt so far away. My manager however made me aware of all the support I could get from the company and whom I could reach out to within our own department and team, which made it all achievable for me to gain those extra accreditation.

Further down the line, I would love to become an Engineering Manager, to manage complex programmes and help other people to achieve their dreams. I have been given the opportunity to meet and shadow other managers, understand and explore different management styles. This has inspired me more to become a manager one day. I am still due to finish my degree and I really look forward to re-joining JLR after my graduation.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?

I am a part of the Semiconductor Resilience team.

After companies faced an enormous challenge with the Semiconductor shortage, it was crucial to our industry to make sure that whatever happens, we are prepared. That is the context of our team, making sure that we know exactly what semiconductor content goes into our vehicles, and if by any chance there is a shortage, we will know about it in our planning stages, well before our vehicle line starts production. Not only will we know about it, but we will be able to replace the components in question and make the necessary alterations to our systems, in case there is no immediate replacements.

By doing so, it makes us stand out from our competitors, because we are more prepared and can account for changes early on the processes, before losing potentially millions of pounds!

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I have done triathlon for almost 10 years (since I was 7);

I am from Portugal;

My very first car was a Renault Clio from 1998, very resilient.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?

Be yourself, JLR appreciates authentic and honest individuals;

Showcase your strengths, be proud of what you have achieved.

Find out more about our Early Careers programmes, click here

Body Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, United Kingdom, Who We Are

Become a Vehicle Technician

In a world where innovation meets a love for vehicles, follow Edan Lloyd’s path within JLR’s Prototype Vehicle Operations (PVO) department. Starting as an apprentice, Edan’s story is about growth, determination, and hands-on experience. Discover his journey, the exciting projects he’s involved in, and why JLR is the perfect place for skilled vehicle technicians like you. Hear what Edan has to say about his experiences here at JLR:

Q: What was your starting position and what’s your role now? Describe what you do currently.

I began my career as an apprentice at a JLR retailer. Back then, my former colleagues shared their experiences about working at JLR, which motivated me to aim for a direct role in the company. I worked hard during my three-year apprenticeship, and it paid off when I became one of the six people to receive 8 out of 8 distinctions. JLR even sent a letter to congratulate me for this achievement.

After completing my apprenticeship, I couldn’t wait to apply for a technician role here at JLR. Now, I’m a proud vehicle technician in the PVO department. My job involves building prototypes to support the new electrified future, which is really interesting!

Q: Are you working on any other projects or in other groups? Explain what they are and how you contribute.

In addition to my day job being a vehicle tech, I’m also involved in a project where we’re moving the prototype suspension from a Range Rover Sport and adapting it to fit another model. It’s been a cool experience!

Q: What do you enjoy about your job here?

I like everything about working at JLR, from the people I work with to the great facilities. Overall, my journey at JLR has been really enjoyable.

Q: What are your career goals? Do you feel supported by your managers and department for your learning and development?

My goal is to learn more about Prototype Vehicle Operations, understand all the different aspects of the business. I would like to move into engineering in the future to gather more knowledge and experiences to further my career within JLR.

Q: Tell us about your team or department. What makes it better than our competitors?

The team I’m a part of is really ahead of the competition. Everyone here is knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to making the brand shine. In the PVO department, we are working together to create a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

Q: Share three interesting things about yourself.

  • I was one of only six people to get 8 distinctions in my apprenticeship
  • I got an offer to compete in a global competition for the best apprentice technician
  • I have a twin and we are very different.

Q: What tips can you give candidates applying or interviewing for a job here?

I’d say do your research about the company, prepare some great examples to showcase your knowledge and experiences, and be your authentic self. Explore career opportunity here at JLR: Click here

Culture and Values, Diversity & Inclusion, Hints and Tips, Home Page, Marketing, Sales & Service, People, United Kingdom, Who We Are

Inclusive, non-judgemental and full of team work and enthusiasm

Ever wondered what a career journey looks like when it starts at the age of 19 as a Business Apprentice and leads to becoming a manager? Look no further! Michelle Harman’s path is a rollercoaster of growth, from launching products to leading teams. Dive into her story, aspirations, and tips for success in our latest blog:

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I started at 19 as a Business apprentice which enabled me to experience many areas of the business. I am now in the Branded Goods area which we call Collections as Planning and Market Performance Manager. I am responsible for the launch management process, project managing the stakeholders to deliver on time to spec. This includes products such as apparel, models, caps, umbrellas etc that retailers may sell or gift to customers along various touchpoints of the Customer Journey. In addition to this I also manage the Markets Performance, working with market champions to understand their needs and ensure we get the global exposure required for our collections.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

  • Founder and Co-chair of the Working Parents Network – A HUGE passion of mine. Working Parents are often an under represented group in the workplace and there is plenty of unconscious and conscious bias towards working parents – the network helps change culture, empower , engage and educate others.
  • Workforce Experience Projects – At JLR we have plenty f opportunity to make a difference outside our day job and the Workforce experience projects are great to be involved in for this. The last two projects have centred around recognition and wellbeing so it’s very rewarding.
  • I am on the D&I Awards Squad – supporting the growth and engagement in D&I

Q: What do you like about working here?

There is a lot of flexibility to change career direction. The hybrid working is literally life changing for me as a full-time working mother too. The JLR Creator’s Code sits very well with my values, and it is great to see over the years how the culture is really changing for the better.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

To continually add value and be the best version of myself  – this is super important to me. This may be progressing to a senior managers role longer term but essentially, its achieving value add in the business whatever my grade and enjoying what I do, whilst balancing motherhood. Feeing like I am not good at either work or parenthood is soul destroying so getting the balance right is imperative to me. Where you work and who you work for is crucial in supporting this and not being judged on being a mother limiting career progression is important. I am lucky that I have a really supportive manager and he has created a really great, inclusive culture within the Collection and Licensing Team.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

The collections team is relatively small, but they really work together as a team. The pull to the job for me has always been the team culture which aligns as closely to the Creators’ Code more than any other area I have worked in. The standout for me is everyone truly is their authentic self. For example, It’s ok for a dad to leave work to a poorly child, for someone who is part-time to want to progress their career. Inclusive, non-judgemental and full of team work and enthusiasm.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

1. I have a twin sister

2. I am a qualified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner

3. I have worked at JLR since leaving school

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

Always be true to yourself. Recognise your self-limiting beliefs and be kind to yourself. Confidence is key but you have to believe you can do it.

Search for exciting careers opportunities here at JLR: Click Here

Digital, Featured, Home Page, Manchester, People, Software, United Kingdom, Who We Are

An environment that champions learning & development as part of productivity

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, agility has become the foundation of success for organisations striving to stay ahead of the curve. At JLR, one individual who plays a pivotal role in driving agile transformation is Oliver, a Senior Agile Delivery Lead based in the Manchester Digital Delivery Centre (DDC). With his wealth of experience and passion for continuous learning, Oliver has become an integral part of JLR’s journey towards agility. In this Q&A session, we delve into Oliver’s career progression, explore his contributions to various projects, discover what makes JLR’s Agile culture stand out, and gain insights into his personal journey.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I started as a communications manager on contract in 2020 before achieving a permanent role as a senior Agile Delivery Lead (ADL) in Manchester’s Digital Delivery Centre (DDC) in October 2022.

I form part of a software squad overseeing API development for Global Financial Services, currently transforming the financial services model for 8 of JLR’s European markets. As an ADL, my role involves mentoring, coaching and leading a cross-functional squad working in Agile and DevOps, comprising of digital engineers with varying skillsets to ensure consistent ways of working. Along with our team’s Product Owner, I coordinate the iterative approach we take to product delivery. As part of my role as an ADL, I regularly interact with the wider organisation to give talks and workshops about Agile, which is a definite highlight of my work at JLR.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

The Digital Engineering team have an internal projects workflow, where team members can use their allocated 20% development time on something that interests them and can have impact to JLR. I have used this time to team up with software engineers from the DDC to develop a Team Health Check integration for Slack, to help us better shape our working environment. Our aim is to develop this for MS Teams for enterprise use across JLR.

I am also proud to be part of Digital’s first ever Team Improvement Circle (TIC). This, traditionally manufacturing-based, initiative encourages small teams of people to identify improvements to where we work. Our TIC team has been focussed on improving the awareness of the Manchester site across JLR and the magnificent work our people do. I have found that there is always something to get involved with to help shape and improve life at JLR!

Q: What do you like about working here?

The energy around our team and office is exhilarating. I have never worked in such a diverse environment, in which everyone can be themselves, have impact, and help shape the future of JLR’s digital transformation. I love that when you walk into our office you would not know who ‘the boss’ is. Having a much flatter hierarchy ensures that everyone has a voice and feel enabled to work how they want to get the most out of themselves. Being new to software, I feel extremely fortunate to work in an environment that champions learning & development as part of productivity.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

I am very fresh in the world of Agile and I adore working in this way, but fully understand that development is a never-ending endeavour. For now, my aim is to continue the steep learning curve I have put myself on and develop within my role in Delivery. In the future, I would like to make use of my background in teaching and tutoring to become an Agile Coach and help support JLR’s transformation to become a fully Agile organisation.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

As well as what I have mentioned above, my department does not just talk the talk, it lives and breathes the culture of Agile, which translates into each day being more exciting than the last. We work in an open and honest environment where integrity matters. Finger pointing and blame have no place in our department as it stifles collaboration… we want to continually push ourselves to develop and try new things and failure is a big part of that process – we learn quicker this way.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I have a HUGE passion for cycling and encouraging others to get involved. While I am an aspiring Ultra-cyclist, I love nothing more than trying to inspire others to ride their first miles on a bike. I set up a cycling group within an addiction charity with funding from Sport England as an outlet for those in recovery, as cycling helped save my own life from addiction. I won the British Cycling National Outstanding Achievement award for this work.

Whenever I need to travel to another JLR site, I will commute by bicycle wherever possible, which sometimes means hundreds of miles per week. It helps with my training, my headspace and is my own contribution towards JLR’s NetZero strategy!

I set myself regular challenges on the bike, including Land’s End to John O’Groats in 4 days and completing 6 ascents of Mont Ventoux, in France, within a single day to become part of a club that has fewer people as members than have been into space.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

Be yourself! Our team only grows stronger with people who offer their own experience and insights into our work rather than a cookie cutter of what you may think is expected. Experience is always valuable, but we have a true focus on behaviours and how new team members from various backgrounds can help shape our culture. Have confidence in your weaknesses as well as your strengths as they could be you biggest asset in the right context. Demonstrate clear passion, not only for work, but what makes you a well-rounded individual.

Search for your careers opportunity here: https://www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com/content/Find-a-job/?locale=en_GB

Body Engineering, Culture and Values, Diversity & Inclusion, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Featured, Home Page, Manufacturing Engineering, People, Who We Are

International Women in Engineering Day 2023

Taara, an exceptional engineer, who is on a mission to inspire and encourage young women to break barriers and consider engineering as a fulfilling career choice. In her Q&A, Taara shares her personal experiences, successes, and lessons learned on her remarkable journey within JLR.

Join us as we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day with Taara and many incredible female engineers here at JLR.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.

“In 2017 I joined JLR via the Women in the Know Course, which enrols you in the Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme (I prefer a practical approach rather than academic, so the apprenticeship was an ideal route into engineering). After interviewing and accepting, I worked as an apprentice in Powertrain for 4 years; completing placements in many areas such as Prototype Engine Build, Engine Test (rotating machine), Vehicle Workshop, and Emissions Certification.

After the scheme, I transitioned to Prototype Battery Build as a skilled technician; building and testing our prototype batteries in a high voltage environment. After 6 months in this role, I moved back to Emissions: here I supported our Chassis Dynometer Testing as an Analytical Measurement Technician. I learnt about our methods of testing emissions and how our testing equipment worked, including portable emissions on the back of a vehicle to get real driving emissions (RDE).

A year later, I moved into my current role testing our Powertrain Software. I wanted to experience the digital side of product development in the automotive industry. Part of my role is to aid the testing and creation of new Powertrain Software Features and their capabilities to ensure we deliver high quality products. Interacting with our vehicles is one of the highlights of my role and I’m proud to be involved in the process of creating them.”

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.

“In addition to my current role, I am on the Women in Engineering & Allie’s committee as an events lead. I get such enjoyment by bringing people together and can make a difference in the workplace while doing something I’m passionate about. The WiE&A’s Network really helped boost my career; I was supported by other female colleagues and given some great advice and opportunities, which is why I wanted to get involved and create further opportunities for other women within the field. I have previously had the opportunity to help with our STEM team, it’s so important for this industry to showcase all the great careers available and to have female representation. This is vital at a younger age for people to have to time to get invested. Currently within Propulsion, there is a great drive to diversify our teams; we are working together to promote the opportunities available and create a community. It’s a great department to be in! I’m looking forward to future events and engaging our engineering stakeholders to get their perspectives and involvement. Watch this space!”

Q: What do you like about working here?

“Every day I learn about a new opportunity or venture that JLR is exploring – no day is boring, and the company adapts to its everchanging demands.

It’s a challenge that we as engineers and technicians are excited about. This buzz and energy is what keeps me engaged.”

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal?

“I want to inspire people to have an enjoyable career similar to mine and to facilitate that, whether that’s as a manager or as a mentor, or even to lead a new test property project. Thankfully I have management who support this and ensure my career aspirations do not get lost in technical / product advancing. One of the things that attracted me to my current role was the involvement they had with our People Development Network (PDN). This network empowers individuals to upskill and achieve their career goals.”

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?

“My team have a great energy and approach to collaboration. We work transparently and in turn reap the rewards. Feeling able to speak up safely and talk about any issues creates a collaborative and group effort environment.  When you ask for help, it’s never an issue or annoyance but rather people are excited to share their knowledge or ask if you need a hand. Similarly, if anyone has an exciting idea that adds value. It’s celebrated and recognised. This has a great impact on my daily work. Feeling appreciated in the team can be hard for women in engineering, and thankfully I have only experienced support.”

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?

“I would say be authentic; it sounds stereotypical but that’s because there is truth to the statement. Transparency is something that JLR hold value in. You need to be proud of your academic / career journey and how far you have come. Even if you don’t 100% fit the job description, you can adapt and learn that extra 10 or 20%. Make sure you showcase that you are willing to learn and adapt (which is arguably more important than the 10 -20%). A good manager will recognise and want to develop your skills further.”

Explore opportunities here at JLR: click here