Software Product Manager

Summary: The Product Software Architect (Senior) role is a pivotal position within a forward-thinking automotive engineering organization, focusing on leading functional architecture activities in R&D. The architect will integrate functional development into systems engineering processes and ensure alignment with business objectives while managing cross-functional relationships. This hybrid role may involve international travel to Germany and/or the USA. The position is offered as a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary expert in function architecture across the R&D department, integrating functional development into systems engineering activities.
• Own the function list development process and lead coaching efforts for team members.
• Provide expert knowledge to function owners, ensuring delivery of required tasks and acting as the central hub for function integration.
• Lead the function architect process, sharing clear requirements with functional project management and platform developers.
• Maintain and manage the critical function list, detailing all functions involved in vehicle projects.
• Authorise changes to the function list and facilitate cross-functional discussions to keep stakeholders informed.
• Collect function requirements from R&D and share with platform/electrical architecture developers in the group.
• Resolve issues between us and platform developers, ensuring compliance with project requirements.
• Utilise technical expertise to define functional context, behaviour, and structure, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Generate project KPIs based on function list data and report on project gateway statuses to ensure timely delivery.

Key Skills:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships across functions and levels within the organisation.
• Proven experience in facilitating teamwork and managing key stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in systems engineering within a relevant industry.
• Strategic thinking with an awareness of industry trends and innovations.
• Demonstrable experience in functional architecture development and electrical engineering, including networks such as CAN, CAN FD, FlexRay, and LIN.
• German language skills are a plus.
• Expert knowledge of system engineering principles and function modelling tools such as CAMEO and AVW/DOORS.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a deep understanding of the automotive industry's architectural and electronic functions.
• Engineering degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (Master's or Bachelor's with significant experience).
• Chartered engineer or membership in a professional institution is desirable.

Salary (Rate): £51

City: Crewe

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: IT