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
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.”
Exciting Job Opportunities at JLR Shannon: Shape the Future of Automotive Technology!
Welcome to our special Q&A session, where we delve into the experiences and exciting journey of a Software Engineering Manager (Chapter Lead) – Clodagh Daly. In this blog interview, we’ll gain a glimpse into Clodagh’s life at JLR Shannon, current responsibilities, involvement in various projects and networks, and her career aspirations.
From leading and empowering a diverse team of engineers to developing software engineering practices, fostering a supportive environment together with the rest of the leadership teams, and championing Women in Engineering. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role.
Join us as we explore her life at JLR Shannon below:
Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. ?
Software Engineering Manager (Chapter Lead).
In my role, I am primarily a People Manager and leader of Engineers. As a former Software Engineer, it is crucial to ensure that people’s development and learning is fostered in a continuous cycle, technology is evolving at such a rapid pace, we need to ensure our Engineers are at the cutting edge in their skills development. This offers support to the organisation and enables the engineers to operate at the highest levels, empowering them to grow. It is our responsibility to assist them to develop into the leaders of the future, both from a technological stand point but also as key drivers of our business and industry.
Enabling a positive environment where they are supported and empowered to develop is key. Regular touchpoints with me, reviewing how they are performing in their Agile team, identifying performance opportunities for them, to build their technical skills, develop their internal brand in JLR and for them to gain tangible experiences in our technologies and functions is really important.
My team is diverse in their roles, experience levels, skills and technology stacks. It is challenging to ensure people are given the required time and support for them to succeed. This role is vital to them being successful in their abilities to deliver our quality products, so it is a great pleasure to watch them flourish in their career progression. Without our Engineers, we have no products to sell.
Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.
As a Chapter lead, we are presently putting shape to our Software Engineering Chapter, where individuals can form part of a cohesive collective of likeminded Software Engineers. Our aims, are to provide guidance, define processes, align on technology and tooling, offering a community across the Software landscape in JLR. This enables us to have a platform cross-functionally within our business where we can make strategic changes, bringing ‘Best In Class’ strategies to the fore in our Software community. This benefits both the Engineers but also the Organisation and provides our team members a cohesive space for them to collaborate, drive forward their suggestions, making meaningful strides forward in our technical evolution!
I am also a member of the SHE++ Society where we champion all things – Women in Engineering in JLR Shannon. Our aim is to foster an environment where women are supported, facilitating Mentorship talks, career development discussions. We also want to promote the idea of diversity in the Engineering and Tech divisions, giving back to the community is very important to us, so we have conducted lots of Primary School visits, promoting Women in Technology and Engineering roles and encouraging the school girls, aged 11-12, to pursue roles in STEAM in the future. This is a highly rewarding society and is key to breaking the bias of women in technology and engineering for the future! Encouraging them at a young age to recognise these options as very positive careers for Women!
Q: What do you like about working here?
JLR is a truly inspiring place to work. Our products are just sublime! Breathtakingly beautiful, the epitome of luxury, all while offering the robust off road capabilities that we in JLR are synonymous with. Our site in Shannon has Agile Squads that are driving forward the most critical technological advancements. We have teams representing the ADAS group, Data Analytics and Machine Learning, DevOps, along with a host of other Onboard and Offboard capabilities. There is something here for everyone, all tech stacks are present here. Variety is boundless.
The culture in Shannon is one which is really unique and that is down is no small measure to the approach taken from the top leaders across the site. They ensure they are giving their time to everyone; they operate an open door policy; they are vastly knowledgeable in our products and are always willing to offer guidance, advice and energy to all of the sites various communities. It has a nurturing vibe here, nobody’s questions are ever silenced and if there is something that is suggested within the site, it is welcomed, and you are given the latitude to go and bring it to fruition.
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?
As a relative new comer to the Automotive industry, I am learning every day. Our team in JLR Shannon are working on the most ground-breaking technology available and the opportunities to learn and grow are continually extended to everyone. Each month we have 3 hours of protected time, where we can avail of training for our growth and development. We have access to internal training platforms which houses a multitude of Automotive training and technology materials. JLR have also invested in making both PluralSight and Udemy Learning platforms available to our team members. These are globally recognised suites of learning, demonstrating JLR’s commitment to growing their team members skills and investing in their development.
In JLR Shannon we are solving technically uncertain challenges daily, having the great pleasure to create the next generation of vehicles that can do things no-one has even considered possible.
My experiences in Shannon have been inspiring. The culture and atmosphere here is like a family, it is warm, welcoming and growth focused. Our team members are passionate about what we do and that is driven from the Senior Leaders on site. Autonomy in your work is the way of life here, accountable but without fear to fail, there is zero tolerance for blame here, culturally. Blame is actively discouraged in JLR Shannon, as without failure you cannot hope to innovate. In our Research & Development focused Software Centre our goal is to harness the creativity of our engineering minds not stifle them, mine included.
Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?
Our proud team are known as the Onboard Enablers, what a great name! We are responsible for enabling all of the connections and interfaces within the vehicle, bringing cohesion to all of the technology in our cars. This provides our squads the opportunity to get first touch on new components and software, we lead, we don’t follow, breaking new ground is what we do, everyday! By engaging directly with our suppliers and building the key partnerships, we are at the cutting edge of innovation, having the greatest opportunities to bring our market-leading new features to life, delighting our customers!
Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
I have loved cars since I was very small – my brother and I used to play ever increasingly complex games of identifying cars while on family journeys. My aim is to get my hands on an extremely rare, 2 seater Citroen DS convertible -innovative for its time, classically designed and remains a thing of beauty 20+ years later! I just need to win the lotto first.
Hobbies, well I am a thrill seeker, Great White Cage Diving, bungy, helicopter flying amongst a few things, but parenthood has put the brakes on that for the time being. I also am a massive DIY enthusiast, doing wood work courses and metal work courses so I could make things I wanted for my home! My husband is a patient man.
Travel, I have travelled extensively I would say, backpacking, no 5-star luxury for me! India, Thailand, Cambodia, UAE, Hong Kong, Maldives, New Zealand, Peru, Mozambique, South Africa, Dutch Antilles, the US, to name a few and of course all through Europe. This is a passion! The more obscure the location the better. I backpacked as I found you really get to know a country when you are closest to the people, hostel life often will tell you more than any 5* will.
Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?
First tip is to APPLY! You do not even need to come from an Automotive industry to be able to make an impact in our Organisation! Find me on Linked In or check out our Careers Page!
Secondly, and importantly; believe in yourself and your technology skills. Outline your interest in JLR Vehicles and how you can contribute to the Automotive industry. We are always looking for people who demonstrate drive, commitment to excellence and passion for what they do! The rest you can learn here with us.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made towards gender equality, but also to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. As women, we have a responsibility to support each other and create a sense of belonging in our workplaces.
In large global organisations like Jaguar Land Rover, it is easy to feel like just another number. It’s important to remember that every woman has a unique perspective and set of experiences that can bring value to the table. By actively listening to and supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
We asked our female colleagues to share stories about times when they felt inspired and encouraged by other women. Jo Hill simply couldn’t wait to share her story about Georgina Green, “Georgie continually supports my development as an informal mentor and coach. She helps me find solutions when I don’t have clarity, by being available and listening. Her support for my development has been demonstrated particularly through the Team Improvement Circle (TIC) programme and more recently in her new role as Learning Manager. She encouraged my involvement with the wider TIC central activity, with opportunities to support events and this year I have been given the opportunity to learn and grow as the HR Admin for HR.
Already I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone by delivering 3 lunch and learns, I would not have had the confidence or the knowledge without Georgie’s support. I have appreciated all her support over many years and feel her contribution to the development of others is amazing and deserves celebration.”
We also extended an invitation to Georgina to offer her insights and future aspirations, allowing us to gain a valuable perspective from her unique journey. She shared, “From the moment I joined Jaguar Land Rover in 2018 I have had the pleasure of working with such wonderfully diverse teams and individuals right across our global business. The opportunities, experiences and people I have met have truly changed my life and contributed towards shaping me into the person I am today. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am passionate about people. Alongside my role within the My Growth & Development experience, I sit on the Committees for the Team Improvement Circle (TIC) programme and the Gender Equality Network (GEN), as I want to drive, champion and celebrate the culture that we are building together at Jaguar Land Rover.
When it comes to supporting other women, I try to set a good example, this can be as simple as ensuring I speak up in meetings or looking for ways to shape the conversation to ensure women feel included or empowered to speak. I feel that being positive, transparent and approachable has enabled me to connect with colleagues and I have been lucky enough to support some fantastic women in their growth and development as an informal mentor. Women can often be prone to more self-doubt than men, but by simply showing you care, giving feedback or introducing new opportunities you can make a huge difference to boosting another woman’s confidence.”
One way to create an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone is by actively seeking out opportunities to connect with and mentor other women in the workplace. By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can help each other navigate the challenges and obstacles that we all face in our careers. We can also create a network of support that can help us advance in our careers and achieve our goals. Let’s make a commitment to support and uplift each other as women, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace where all women can thrive.
Join our company and be part of a team that is committed to transforming the culture and shaping the future. Your unique talents and perspectives will make a significant impact and help us create a better tomorrow. Find the latest opportunities here.
Emma joined Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) as an undergraduate in 2016. After finishing her Business Management degree, she returned to the Graduate scheme where she worked in Aftersales Supply Chain in Global Customer Care.
She found her passion in working to improve Retailer experience in the Retailer Performance team for a couple of years. Exposure to the Retailer network ignited her interest in getting closer to JLR’s clients, she then jumped on the opportunity to join the Retailer Performance Intelligence team within Revenue & Loyalty in 2021 where she works today.
We asked her to share her experiences here at JLR as a Retailer Performance Intelligence Senior Consultant.
Q: Please describe your current responsibilities.
My main responsibility is to provide data-driven insights to JLR’s global customer service teams and Retailer networks to drive improved revenues and customer satisfaction which is critical to delivering JLR’s Modern Luxury vision.
Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.
Up until recently, I was an active member of the Commercial Change Agent group where I supported several function-wide initiatives such as the Christmas Bake Off and the departmental shared common objective. Due to my current work responsibilities, I have had to take a step back from the Change Agent group however I am still actively championing the Commercial Wellbeing group. I take inspiration from our Commercial Wellbeing Lead, Kristina Brain, who volunteers above and beyond her day job, to drive real change in the way we collaborate and look out for one another.
Q: What do you like about working here?
I like working at JLR because of the volume of opportunities available to try new things and meet new people. For me, the extra things that happen outside of the day job, such as Coffee Roulette, learning a new skill through Employee Learning Scheme (ELS), and flexible working arrangements that enable us to work offsite at exciting locations such as Classics keep me motivated.
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 aspire to make a positive impact on the people, projects, and processes around me. Whether that be by checking in with a colleague who doesn’t seem themselves that day or supporting a project to bring in £1.8 million revenue to JLR. One person stands out to me when I think about my personal and professional development within JLR and that is my mentor – Jessica Tubb. I admire Jess for being an influential female leader within her department and thank her for expanding my perception, encouraging me to break barriers, and elevating my confidence.
Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?
I would describe my team as ‘forward-thinking’, driven by the belief that feedback and collaboration are the keys to success. The team is composed of motivated individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences giving us a unique perspective on the challenges we face, and how we bring out the best in each other. Whether it’s sharing insights, bouncing ideas off each other, or simply offering support, our team is always working to create a positive, productive environment where everyone can thrive.
Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
Outside of work, I like to keep active and play for JLR’s Netball team (shameless recruitment plug – if anyone is interested in joining please get in contact). I need to keep active to counteract my other interest – food. I’m a known foodie and will jump on any opportunity to travel to a new country or go to a new restaurant to try local cuisines. Without a doubt, Japan is the best country I have visited and wined and dined in.
Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?
Be yourself and have confidence in what you bring to the table. Jaguar Land Rover is going through an exciting period of change so its an excellent time to join the company and make a positive impact.
