Opportunity for Exterior Lead

Role Overview

The Exterior Lead will be responsible for end-to-end design, development, and validation of exterior components, with strong focus on bumper systems . The role requires managing full product development lifecycle, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring delivery of robust, cost-effective, and manufacturable designs aligned with OEM requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design & Development

Lead design and development of front & rear bumper systems , fascia, grilles, air dams, energy absorbers, carriers, and related exterior trims.

Create/modify 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent tools.

Define engineering specifications, DFMEA, DVP, and design guidelines.

Ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA) for injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, painting, and assembly processes.

2. Project Leadership

Lead cross-functional teams (Styling, CAE, Manufacturing, Purchase, Quality) through product development milestones.

Manage design gateways, feasibility reviews, and engineering change management (ECM/ECR).

Drive timing plans, deliverables, BOM creation, and release processes.

3. Validation & Testing

Coordinate physical and virtual validation: crash requirements, pedestrian protection, durability, environmental tests, fit & finish, gap/flush analysis.

Work closely with CAE teams for simulations (NVH, crash, impact, thermal).

Support prototype build, tooling development, and PPAP/APQP activities.

4. Supplier & Customer Interface

Work with Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers on feasibility, tooling, material selection, and cost optimisation.

Communicate design status/updates to OEM clients and internal stakeholders.

Ensure alignment with global standards, regulations, and homologation needs.

Required Skills & Experience

712+ years in automotive exterior design and development with major experience in bumper systems .

Strong hands-on skills in CATIA surface modelling (Class A/B/C), solid modelling, and packaging.

Deep understanding of plastics design, tooling, tolerances, GD&T, fastening strategies, and assembly systems.

Knowledge of material properties (PP, PC+ABS, TPO, ASA, lightweight materials).

Familiarity with global OEM processes (PPAP, APQP, DFMEA, DVP&R).

Excellent problem-solving, cost optimisation, and stakeholder management skills.