Title:  Mastering Coordinator - Perceived Quality

Mastering Coordinator – Perceived Quality

Permanent 

Hethel 

About the role 

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.

Key responsibilities:

• 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.
   

Knowledge, skills and experience
 

Essential

• 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.

What we offer you
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