Supervisor Weathering Test (Upington) (PA 1204) at Volkswagen Group South Africa

Job Description and Responsibilities    

• Plan, co-ordinate and manage the Weathering Test Site as defined in the VW Group norm, VW50185.
• Lead and grow the Weathering Team towards a well-recognized “Centre of Excellence” in the Group.
• Apply her/his excellent Polymer and material knowledge to give advice to customers on materials, possible material changes and/or production parameters.
• Keep up with latest trends of automotive materials through self-studies, market observations and networking with material specialists, e.g. Universities, Science Institutes and Automotive Laboratories and Development Centers
• Constantly seek to broaden his expert knowledge about Polymers, Paints, Rubbers, Composites, Natural Fiber Composites and other Automotive Materials.
• Constantly communicate with Group customers in German and English, including giving expert advice to Top Management and Board members within the Group.
• Manage remote Test Sites in South Africa with limited support from the Group or VWSA
• Benchmarking and support the Weathering activities at other Group sites.
• Represent Volkswagen of South Africa at all levels during cross-corporate activities, by participating in projects, discussions (e-rooms, conferences) and presentations in German and English.
• Ensure that the inspections of components and vehicles take place as planned, and documented accurately.
• Manage the revenue and overhead budgets to ensure that financial targets are achieved.
• Streamline all administration activities to maximize the time working on cars and components.
• Manage the workshop, test facilities and equipment as required.
• To train back-up personnel for all Supervisor functions as agreed with the Manager of the section.
• Ensure that all Group audit requirements are upheld.

Education and Experience    

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or suitable tertiary qualification with proven experience in managing/leading Technical Projects.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the testing of automotive components under high UV and temperature conditions.

Skills, Attributes & Other requirements    
ESSENTIAL:

• Must understand material behaviour under extreme Weathering conditions and make improvement recommendations where needed.
• Must have knowledge of Weathering instruments and be able to interpret the results accurately.   
• A good international network created through having worked cross divisionally with our worldwide Group customers of the various brands
• Experience in interfacing positively at all levels, up to the most senior positions in the Group.
• Read, write and speak English and German.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels of interfacing departments.
• Good knowledge of Volkswagen Group products.
• Understanding of the Group Audit fault rating system, and be able to apply this accurately to test specimen.  
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work independently.
• Strong Leadership/ Management Skills.
• Project Management Skills
• Ability to think at a strategic level.
• Be innovative, resourceful and analytically minded.