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
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
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.
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.
