Mastering Coordinator - Perceived Quality

The Mastering Coordinator is responsible to develop, create, replicate, monitor and distribute the Master Samples for interior and exterior appearance parts, to support all LOTUS projects and various global programs.
This role follows the material development after selection to complete masters. The Mastering Coordinator will also support the Perceived Quality team during the AAR process by managing issues with external suppliers, mitigating risk, and removing roadblocks for timely approvals.
You will work closely with Colour & Materials, Perceived Quality, Material Suppliers, Materials Engineering, and Suppliers. You will also be responsible for the Grain Go process. This is the Lotus procedure to specify, manage and authorise the grain mapping on any aesthetical surfaces using acid-etch or laser-etch technologies.

What you'll do:

• To support the Colour & Material first concepts definition.


• To support the Colour & Material team to develop and define the fully appearance characteristics of the master samples.


• To provide the masters to the Material Engineering to ensure that the test plan is complete.


• To lead and manage the inventory, administration, and distribution of the master samples.


• To lead the Grain Go process and guarantee the reports completion before the grain of the mould.


• Complete the mastering process of all aesthetical materials, including the development of new materials and new suppliers.


• Support development of the first masters and receive Design inputs.


• Support the visual and haptic assessment of materials and the measurement review.


• Provide mastering status and maintain updated information on mastering status charts.


• Escalate and resolve mastering issues.


• Meet directly with material suppliers and provide direction.


• Ensure masters availability and traceability.


• Support the Material Perceived quality team to certify the master samples., This role will be working from our Hethel plant within our flexible working policy


• Candidates must be eligible to work in UK without VISA sponsorship.


• You will need a full current driving license.
  
  Bachelor's or master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Design, Human Factor, or a related field.


• Knowledge of factors influencing perceived quality in automotive applications or similar, including visual appearance, haptic and feel.


• Working closely in collaboration with various development stakeholders to understand challenges and possibilities and then implement collaborative solutions.


• Ability to understand colour.


• Familiarity with materials used in automotive interiors and exteriors, such as plastics, textiles, metals, and composites.


• Ability to analyse and interpret material test data, identify trends and patterns, and provide data-driven recommendations for material selection and improvement.


• Proficiency in using relevant software tools for materials analysis, testing, and documentation, such as CAD software, data analysis software, and Microsoft Office suite.


• Meticulousness in creating visually accurate and realistic representations, paying attention to small details, proportions, and materials.


• Keeping the customer at the centre of decision-making. Professionals should understand customer expectations, preferences, and perceptions to guide decision-making and drive customer satisfaction.


Desirable:

• A focus on materials, design or automotive engineering is preferred.


• Prior experience in material selection and development for automotive applications, particularly in areas related to perceived quality, is highly desirable.


• Understanding of materials properties, manufacturing processes, and standards relevant to the automotive industry.


• Knowledge of CATIA and Photoshop packages.


• Effective communication skills for conveying ideas, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders. Clear and concise communication helps ensure alignment and understanding of perceived quality objectives and requirements.


• Ability to work well in teams and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as designers, engineers, suppliers, and manufacturing personnel. Collaboration fosters a collective effort towards achieving desired perceived quality outcomes.


• Strong problem-solving skills enable professionals to analyse perceived quality issues, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions. A proactive and analytical approach helps overcome challenges and continuously improve perceived quality.


• Thinking creatively and innovatively for developing unique solutions to enhance perceived quality attributes.


• A willingness to learn and stay updated with industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices.
  
  Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance and lightweight sports cars that are sold all around the world., Lotus Cars Limited is the manufacturing site of Lotus in the UK. Here we produce all sportscars types such as the Emira and the Evija. To bring the company to the level we want it to be, we are looking for a Mastering Coordinator in the Perceived Quality Department to join us in our manufacturing plant based in Hethel., Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with a 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world's first all-electric hyper-SUV, and in 2023 our fully-electric Hyper-GT, Emeya. By 2026 Lotus will produce three more all-electric lifestyle models that change the game.


As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them.

Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship-winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines.

We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organization. Read more here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Lotus Cars.

In addition to a competitive salary, you will have access to the following benefits:


• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays


• Hybrid working


• Half day finish on a Friday


• 6% pension contribution


• Discretionary annual bonus scheme, based on your contribution and the performance of the company.


• Private Healthcare


• Group income protection based on length of service


• Paid time off for medical appointments.


• Family Friendly policies


• Exclusive Employee discount, wellbeing and recognition platform #ForUSLOT