Virtual Build Planning Lead

At Expleo, we partner with world-class organisations to accelerate innovation and engineering excellence across complex product development environments. We are proud to support our clients in delivering next-generation vehicles that define the future of sustainable mobility.

As part of our continued growth in the automotive sector, we are seeking a Virtual Build Planning Lead to support one of our premium OEM clients. This is a critical role that blends technical programme management, virtual data validation, and cross-functional coordination, ensuring prototype builds are aligned, validated, and delivered with precision.

As a Virtual Build Planning Lead, you will be at the forefront of ensuring seamless engineering data delivery for prototype build events. Working across Engineering Operations and multiple stakeholder teams, you'll lead the alignment and validation of CAD, BoM, and build data, enabling prototype build starts with zero data-related issues.
You'll play a key role in the planning, tracking, and resolution of technical deliverables, while managing risk and leading a small team to drive data integrity and programme success.

Key Responsibilities
* Lead and coordinate engineering data alignment for physical build readiness across:
o Engineering BoM (CAD)
o Plan For Every Part (PFEP)
o BoM Validation
o Part-to-Order BoM (PTO BoM)
* Own and deliver buildable Engineering BoM for:
o Full Vehicle Prototypes
o Powertrain Unit Prototypes (Battery and EDU)
o Vehicle and Powertrain Rigs
* Manage technical risks, impediments, and build issues through programme reviews and build event walk-throughs.
* Facilitate and lead CAD quality issue resolution reviews with stakeholders and engineering teams.
* Coordinate cross-functional data teams to ensure all prototype data is prepared and validated ahead of build.
* Perform line management duties for a Virtual Build Analyst, ensuring effective delivery and performance management.

Skills and Experience Required
* In-depth understanding of automotive Bill of Materials (BoM) and associated engineering data.
* Strong technical background in vehicle and powertrain systems.
* Proven experience in technical project or programme management, with the ability to plan, track, and deliver multiple complex workstreams.
* Ability to engage and influence stakeholders across functional boundaries using assertiveness, clarity, and negotiation skills.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for technical issue identification and resolution.
* Clear and confident communicator - both written and verbal - with experience preparing and delivering technical presentations to stakeholders.
* Demonstrated leadership skills, including direct line management and matrix team coordination.
* Advanced user of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desirable:
* Experience working with CAD tools, virtual build platforms, or engineering systems integration tools.
* Prior experience in prototype or concept vehicle build programmes.
* Understanding of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and processes.

To apply or learn more, please contact:
Leanne Eaton
(url removed)
(phone number removed)

All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.