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
Meet Zubair, an ADAS(Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) engineer who has been a part of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) family for several years. Through his journey, Zubair has not only grown as a professional but has also witnessed the flourishing of a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. As a result, he has found a workplace where he feels safe, confident and excited to be himself.
If you want to delve deeper into Zubair’s experiences at JLR and discover how the company has fostered an environment where diverse minds can thrive, I encourage you to read his blog and see it for yourself.
What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.
I joined JLR In 2013 as an experienced hire after working in the Defence industry for over four years. Although transitioning into the Automotive industry posed a challenge at first, I quickly adapted to the faster pace of the work. My first role was in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) department based in Solihull, Birmingham where the Range Rovers and Defender (at that time) were being built. Witnessing these incredible vehicles roll off the production line and past my office window every day was a highlight of my time there.
In 2015, I received a promotion and relocated to a position within International Manufacturing Operations (IMO) to launch the brand-new Jaguar E-Pace and all-electric Jaguar I-Pace in Graz, Austria. What I enjoyed most about this role was the opportunity to work abroad and immerse myself in a different culture. The food in Austria was also particularly enjoyable!
After successfully launching those vehicles in 2018, I made the decision to return to Engineering and was fortunate enough to secure a position in the Assisted & Automated Driving (AAD) department. Initially, my role was as a System Lead where I oversaw the delivery of a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) onto a new electrical architecture. A couple of years later, I was given the added responsibility of team leader.
Last year, as part of JLR’s transformation into an Agile organisation, I became a Product Owner within a new project and worked closely with NVIDIA as a technology partner. My focus is on delivering ADAS products using a Modelled Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach with a globally dispersed squad of 11 engineers. My primary objective is to ensure we build the right product in the right way and with the right quality, with a particular emphasis on customer use cases. A significant aspect of my role involves working with stakeholders and customers to ensure that the product we are developing meets their needs while balancing any technical constraints.
Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.
I am currently involved in two employee-led networks within JLR, namely the Islamic Society (ISoc) and REACH, which stands for Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage.
I joined the ISoc network when I first started working at JLR. On my first day in Solihull, I was looking for a place to offer my afternoon prayer. In my previous company, I would usually find a quiet meeting room to do this. However, at JLR, I was pleasantly surprised to find a multi-faith room in the building! It was then that I realised how supportive the company is of employees who wish to practice their faith. As a member of the ISoc network, I want to play a part in promoting this supportive environment.
I became involved in the REACH network since its inception in 2018. The aim of the network, to create an encouraging environment where diverse minds thrive and everyone feels safe, confident and excited to bring their whole selves to work, appealed to me the most. At that time, I had just started my new role based at Gaydon, so I volunteered to be a champion for the site to promote the network’s activities. More recently, I have been leading an initiative called the “Name Campaign” with other members of the network. The campaign aims to educate people on the importance and benefits of getting someone’s name right. Over the last 12 months, we have done this through Lunch & Learns on various name-related topics, a monthly column about the meanings and history of names from around the world and driven positive actions within the business. In November 2022, the campaign was given an award for the meaningful impact it has had within JLR. This was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. Over the next year, we have set out our vision and key workstreams to build on what we achieved last year.
One other project I have been involved in is the virtual Coffee Roulette within my department (AAD). I initially established this during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to keep colleagues feeling connected while working from home. This initiative has continued as our department has expanded globally and has helped colleagues’ network and build new connections. The feedback has been great, and the best thing for me has been learning more about my colleagues beyond just the work stuff.
What do you like about working here?
There are several things that I like about working for JLR. My top five are:
The ability to practice my faith without compromising my identity.
The brand and products – it goes without saying that our cars are impressive!
The wide variety of roles available, making it easy to move within the company and look for that next challenge.
Collaboration – while the team culture varies, I have always experienced a strong sense of collaboration in each of my roles.
Lastly, the shift to hybrid working has allowed me to have a better work/life balance.
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 always keen to continuously develop myself and advance within the company – I do feel I have the support of management in my professional growth. Additionally, I am currently pursuing registration as a Chartered Engineer through the IET.
Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?
The diversity of our department’s teams, both in terms of culture and location, is immediately noticeable. This has become even more prominent in the last 2-3 years due to remote working, which has allowed us to attract talent in mainland Europe and expand in the US, China and India.
This is what I believe sets us apart from our competitors – the abundance of creative ideas that stem from the diverse range of minds in our department. As a result, we have created an environment that is forward-thinking, positive, and proactive in our approach to work.
Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
Firstly, I am proud to be a STEM Ambassador. As part of this role, I engage with young students, delivering talks in schools and mentoring individuals through the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship programme. My main motivation is to give back to the community; I wouldn’t have pursued my current career path if someone hadn’t inspired me when I was younger, and I hope to be that inspiration for the next generation of Engineers.
Secondly, I am passionate about fundraising for charity, and I usually do so by undertaking extreme challenges. In the past, I have completed the Paris Marathon, conquered the 3 peaks challenge, and cycled over 100 miles from Leicester to London in a day. In June, I will be participating in another cycling challenge, riding over 400 miles from Amsterdam to Copenhagen within 5 days to raise money for the Help the Homeless charity in Leicester.
Lastly, I am a sports fanatic – especially football, Formula E and Formula 1. In fact, I am a qualified FA youth football coach and have been coaching a team for the past 6 years at a local football club in Leicester called Community Football Academy (CFA). My love for football inspired me to take up coaching and help encourage youngsters to stay active and fit, rather than staying at home playing video games.
What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?
As a STEM ambassador, I often get asked for tips on applications and interview process. Here are five that I always suggest:
Do your research on the company. Find out about their products, business strategy, and any challenges they’re facing.
Structure your answers to competency questions around your experiences, and make sure to highlight the role you played in achieving positive outcomes.
Remember that you won’t just be assessed on technical skills; your behaviour matters too.
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview.
Most importantly – be yourself! It will make the whole process smoother and less stressful.
Find out more about our latest ADAS opportunities: click here
Kevin Stride’s career journey at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering talent from within. Starting as an apprentice, Kevin has worked his way up to a director’s level.
Kevin attributes his success to the exceptional culture at JLR, which acknowledges the significance of every individual’s skills and contributions. The company’s supportive and collaborative environment empowers its employees to cultivate their talents, take risks and foster innovation. This culture of inclusivity and excellence has been instrumental in propelling JLR to the forefront of the automotive industry.
As we sat down with Kevin, We delved into the intricacies of the Quality department at Jaguar Land Rover. With his extensive experience, Kevin was able to provide valuable insights into what makes working at JLR so special. From his perspective, he revealed the key elements of the company’s unique culture and work environment that make it an exceptional place to work. In addition, Kevin offered expert advice and tips for individuals aspiring to join the Quality department at JLR, shedding light on the skills and qualities that are essential for success in this field.
Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.
I started as an undergraduate apprentice in Engineering, following a career path that ultimately led to full vehicle and architecture project leadership at Executive level, delivering more than 20 car projects, two full architectures with 2 World Car of the Year recipients. My latest assignment is Director of Forward Model Quality, providing a partnership role with the future product programmes, to ensure that the content maximises Customer Satisfaction and builds in Quality in every part of the Design, Engineering and Manufacturing process.
Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.
I am a recently appointed Trustee Director of Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, providing my knowledge and network gained over many years in Jaguar Land Rover, to assist the goals of the Trust.
Q: What do you like about working here?
Whilst there is an obvious draw from the exceptional products we create and enjoy, the skills and culture of the people across the whole of JLR is very special for me, which continues to grow in very positive steps. The diversity of talent we have is world class and critical as we move through a rapidly changing external environment. On a practical level, significant investment has gone into the working environment, which is inspiring and reflective of how important people are valued in JLR.
Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?
The Forward Model Quality Team consists of an incredibly diverse set of highly motivated people, representing a vast range of experience from within and outside the Auto industry. Expertise exists from the more traditional Vehicle Engineering and Manufacture, through Electrified Propulsion, to deep knowledge of Digital Products and Services. The experiences and collaborative leadership styles at all levels in our team, have gained inclusion and respect from the whole Enterprise, representing a first class Quality capability as a Business Partner.
Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
I’m an avid Mountain Biker and have raced the Megavalanche event in the Alps
One of my dogs is half wolf
My first car (and introduction to welding!) was a Triumph Vitesse Mk2 Convertible, that by chance, was built on the day I was born.
Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?
A demonstrated ability to create positive relationships across an Enterprise, to influence a complex set of stakeholders is a critical part of contributing to the success of our team’s purpose.
A real passion and skill for developing people and capability is part of our Team Brand.
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.
Leah, Jaguar Land Rover degree apprentice, currently on her 6th-year placement in Electrification Services. In her spare time, Leah loves to train and regularly competes in Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit.
Her top tip for you is ‘Back yourself and take time to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. Think about the value that these skills will bring to Jaguar Land Rover and its mission.’
We recently conducted a short interview to found out a little bit more about Leah, both in and out of Jaguar Land Rover.
Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.
I am a 6th-year AEP Degree Apprentice and I am currently on placement in Electrification Services, whose mission is to improve the EV ownership experience for customers through services. I am specifically focussing on improving the accessibility of charging infrastructure, which requires understanding the needs of those traditionally excluded from the EV ownership experience and creating a solution to not only help the exception but improve the experience for everyone. I joined Jaguar Land Rover in my home department of Vehicle Safety, where I essentially crashed cars; planning and coordinating full vehicle and component tests to ensure the safety of our vehicles. I have had the pleasure of being involved in several other areas of the business on placements within Special Vehicle Operations, Critical Concerns, Manufacturing, and Circular Economy.
Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.
SHINE Network – I recently joined as a participator to reduce assumptions when designing for inclusivity. The network supports colleagues with disabilities, whether hidden, visible or both.
Women in Engineering – I attend their annual conference, where they aim to accelerate an inclusive future for women in engineering.
Q: What do you like about working here?
It is exciting to be involved with the company during such a huge change toward electrification and sustainability. The people I work with are truly passionate about their work and are invested in my growth.
Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your current management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal?
I see myself moving to a management role within the business, I feel I am a natural leader and have the wider knowledge to understand the bigger picture of the company. There are not enough females in this industry, so I want to encourage more young women to join the sector by acting as a role model. I would like to mentor and guide others to becoming the best version of themselves both in Jaguar Land Rover and life too. I would love the opportunity to work overseas at some point, so if the opportunity were to present itself I would work to make it happen. I think the people around me are invested in my growth, so if I work hard to achieve this, then it will be possible.
Q: Describe your current team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?
The common theme amongst the teams I have been in is their passion for the work they are undertaking. The team I am in now is truly passionate about improving the charging experience for customers and understands that this is vital for the success of the business. This belief will make the team work harder and more efficiently to achieve their objectives.
Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
In my spare time, I love to train and compete in Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit, and I am a qualified personal trainer. Lifting is a huge passion of mine and is where most of my spare time goes. The gym teaches me that hard work and perseverance pays off and that failure is just a route to success. It also acts as stress relief on those busy work weeks!
Last year I completed some of my first solo travel trips abroad! My favourite place I have travelled to is Costa Rica, although I got stuck in customs on the way back due to some apparent dodgy fingerprints!
I also own a paddleboard that I take out with friends in the warmer months to take some time away from Instagram scrolling and into nature.
Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?
I was incredibly nervous when submitting my application, to the point that I nearly didn’t submit it as I thought ‘I wasn’t good enough’. Now I have taken time to understand my capabilities and value within the company, with some incredible mentors along the way. My biggest piece of advice is to back yourself and take time to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. Think about the value that these skills will bring to Jaguar Land Rover and its mission.
Apply Jaguar Land Rover Apprenticeship Programmes here.
