Autonomous, Diversity & Inclusion, Engineering, Featured, Hints and Tips, People, PRIDE, Top Story, United Kingdom, Who We Are

Practice my faith without compromising my identity

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:

  1. The ability to practice my faith without compromising my identity.
  2. The brand and products – it goes without saying that our cars are impressive!
  3. The wide variety of roles available, making it easy to move within the company and look for that next challenge.
  4. Collaboration – while the team culture varies, I have always experienced a strong sense of collaboration in each of my roles.
  5. 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:

  1. Do your research on the company. Find out about their products, business strategy, and any challenges they’re facing.
  2. Structure your answers to competency questions around your experiences, and make sure to highlight the role you played in achieving positive outcomes.
  3. Remember that you won’t just be assessed on technical skills; your behaviour matters too.
  4. Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview.
  5. Most importantly – be yourself! It will make the whole process smoother and less stressful.

Find out more about our latest ADAS opportunities: click here

Culture and Values, Diversity & Inclusion, Featured, Home Page, People, United Kingdom, Who We Are

International Women’s Day

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.

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenSupportingWomen #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity

Analtyics, Analytics, Culture and Values, Diversity & Inclusion, Featured, Graduate, Hints and Tips, Home Page, Marketing, Sales & Service, People, Supply Chain & Logistics, United Kingdom

A positive, productive environment where everyone can thrive

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.

Search for your opportunity here.

Analtyics, Analytics, Culture and Values, Diversity & Inclusion, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Featured, Home Page, People, Powertrain, Research, Software, Technology, Top Story, United Kingdom, Who We Are

We live and breathe Diversity and Inclusion everyday

Lead Commodity Engineer Dr Nancy Liu loves science. Since the age of 3, her family knew that she was good at maths and loved experimenting with things.

Over the years, Nancy has earned her professional credentials from various different organisations and universities. She has a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Nottingham, after achieving a Master’s degree in Aircraft Control Engineering in Northwestern Polytechnical University in China – a Chinese national Class A Double first Class University.

Nancy was also featured in dSPACE magazine, providing user feedback on dSPACE simulators on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover Powertrain.

Nancy has worked in Jaguar Land Rover for almost 15 years. We asked her to share her experiences here as a lead engineer in Science.

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

‘As a lead engineer, I am responsible for planning and building the test rigs. Essentially, I write scripts to test the BECM (Battery Energy Control Module) software to ensure they all meet the JLR standards.

On a daily basis I carry out rigorous manual and automation testing in our laboratory. I work in collaboration with our commodity owners and managers to ensure we deliver the battery management system with the highest quality, on time.’

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

‘I previously supported our Electrical Integration team to update software for over 200 vehicles in China. We worked closely with the British manufacturing technicians and the Chinese retailers / warehouse employees.

In addition to the engineering aspect of my job, I also helped building relationships. I removed certain ambiguity when discussing complex projects; I knocked down language barriers by providing face-to-face professional interpretations, offering a greater context with my Chinese language skills and cultural background.

I previously led the powertrain HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) lab, assembling the team of 7 engineers from scratch. We did a thorough upgrade of all the hardware and software in the lab. The HIL facilities are still in use by many of our Jaguar Land Rover colleagues today and I am very proud of this achievement.’

Q: What do you like about working in Jaguar Land Rover?

‘I love science and engineering. Jaguar Land Rover provided me with this fantastic opportunity which allows me to combine the knowledge I have gained from years of studying and researching, with the practical aspect – I play with the latest software and cutting edge equipment daily. I work with a bunch of knowledgeable and enthusiastic people. What’s not to like?’

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 love my job, hardware-in-the-loop in particular. My manager is also very supportive, we often have open discussions about the technical issues as well as my personal development opportunities. I feel encouraged, empowered and supported to achieve more.’

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

‘The Battery Management Control System team consists of employees from 8 different countries. We live and breathe Diversity and Inclusion everyday. I am the only female in my team, and we are all being treated equally. Everyone’s voice and opinions matter.’

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

‘I am not all science and numbers, I also like art – I often paint in my spare time to relax and clear my mind; I am a keen traveller, my dream is to travel around the world one day.’

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

‘Have the relevant background knowledge and be confident in your answers.’

Apprentice, Body Engineering, Early Careers, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Hints and Tips, Home Page, People, Technology, United Kingdom, Who We Are

“Physical training taught me that hard work and perseverance always pays off and that failure is just a route to success.”

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.