Unintentionally, we picked the best date to interview Dominic. It was his one-year work anniversary with Jaguar Land Rover. What a perfect opportunity to invite him to share his ‘Life at Jaguar Land Rover’ and what it’s like to be part of the high-tech Software Development team in Manchester.
Q: Tell me about Jaguar Land Rover Manchester
“Jaguar Land Rover’s new high-tech Software Development Centre in Manchester is working alongside, and in collaboration with our Gaydon Pioneering Hub to integrate connected technologies in our next generation vehicles, and to create premium, customer experiences.
Home to Software, Digital and Engineering teams, the hub is focused on developing mobile apps and our data analytics capabilities. The teams here have significantly expanded over recent years and will continue to grow as part of the Jaguar Land Rover Reimagine strategy.”
Q: How long have you been with Jaguar Land Rover and what are you responsible for?
“It is my one-year anniversary today actually (18th of October 2022), I am the Principal Quality Lead for the Software Engineers in Test. Traditionally, testing and quality happened much later in the delivery process. But with the new agile way of working, quality underpins everything that we do and everyone gets involved much earlier in the process, and we’ve formed a true blameless and collaborative culture.”
Q: Walk me through your onboarding experience here in Manchester?
“As soon as candidates accept the offer, we add them to a Slack channel so they can introduce themselves and ask any questions, plus see FAQs from other starters. Whilst we know that there is a lot to take in and learn when you start a new role, we try to combat that by giving someone a buddy, who isn’t their line manager, giving them support in the first few weeks and also ensure that they feel that they are getting a more personal, candid onboarding experience. We also have a checklist for people to follow so there is structure, and we also have team ReadMes so people can share info about themselves and learn about other people whilst working remotely.”
Q: Why do people love working here?
“Our modern office is situated at the heart of Manchester city centre, it offers flexible workspaces and promotes employee wellbeing, we also have an onsite gym, and bike parking facility.
More importantly, we have a flat, open and innovative culture. The team are encouraged to self-develop through 20% time (one day a week training), which is usually on Fridays. It gives the chance to drive their own learning or pair with other people to build things for the department. We also have Communities of Practice for each of our different specialisms that anyone can join if they have an interest in that area.
For me, I love the fact we have the opportunity to start building something from scratch. We are often being pushed out of our comfort zone, it excites me to know we have the autonomy and opportunity to create something with longevity and we can bring people with us on the journey.
The hybrid working arrangements are important for us because it allows people to work in a way that makes them most comfortable. It also means that we can work with the best people across the country.”
Q: What do you do when you are not testing software?
“Outside of work, I am a sports nut. I will watch anything competitive (which my wife hates), but in terms of doing then it’s mainly football, running and cycling. I recently did the World Triathlon Series in Leeds and Munich 10km. There is an emphasis on Wellbeing in Manchester with there being weekly 5-a-side and a number of people that enjoying running and cycling.”
Q: What are the top tips you could offer to someone who is currently applying for tech roles
“You might not know exactly what you want to be doing now, it is quite alright, we have all been there. Jaguar Land Rover offers great development and learning opportunities which would enable you to open many doors to future careers. In terms of tech space, well it is an integral part of the business, it underpins everything we do, you don’t have to be tech wizard to get into the industry. Take a look at our careers website and let’s chat.”
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