A vacancy now exists for Industry Forum Operations Director within SMMT Industry Forum, SMMT’s wholly owned subsidiary company, based in Birmingham.

PURPOSE OF POST:

The Operations Director will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the training and consultancy business as well as developing and executing strategies to drive growth and commercial success in the organisation.  This role will ensure projects and initiatives are developed and launched to plan, strategic campaigns are successfully executed, and services are delivered efficiently and effectively with clients receiving a first class customer experience.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED BY JOB HOLDER:

• Strong experience in operations management within the training, automotive, or manufacturing industries.
• Solid experience of managing commercial operations including Sales and Marketing functions.
• Expertise in programme execution, logistics, and resource planning.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and negotiate supplier agreements.
• Strong analytical skills to track operational KPIs and improve efficiency.
• Experience in digital transformation and the integration of technology into operations.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost optimisation.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale training or development programmes.
• Experience in supplier management and process improvement.
• Knowledge of government and industry regulations affecting training and certification.
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.

MAIN DUTIES INCLUDE:

Operational Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement an operational strategy to ensure the ongoing success of the training and consultancy business and the efficient and effective delivery of QMD services.
• Align operational strategy and execution with the overall organisational goals and financial targets.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure efficiency, effectiveness, and impact.
• Continuously assess and improve processes to enhance programme delivery and customer experience.

Commercial Strategy and Business Development

• Drive business performance by leading the sales efforts for both the training business and QMD, identifying and capitalising new opportunities.
• Secure funding and sponsorships to support training initiatives and QMD growth.
• Collaborate with government bodies, funding agencies, and industry stakeholders to align operational capabilities with national training needs and initiatives and secure funding and sponsorships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including certification bodies, training institutions, and automotive sector leaders.

Technology & Digital Integration

• Oversee the development and integration of digital tools to enhance the efficiency of training operations.
• Oversee QMD website development to ensure accessibility and seamless client interactions.
• Work with IT support teams to optimise learning platforms, reporting tools, and operational systems.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Monitor financial performance, identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Work with finance team to secure funding and manage financial reporting.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement training and development plans to enhance team capabilities.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration between different teams within the organisation.

Prospective candidates should contact[email protected] by 3 July 2025 Early applications are encouraged as the position may be offered to a suitable candidate before this date.

A vacancy now exists for an IATF Certification Body Manager in the Oversight team, based in the SMMT Industry Forum Office in Birmingham.

PURPOSE OF POST:

• To lead and manage SMMT’s engagement with the IATF reporting certification bodies, ensuring we provide effective engagement, governance and management of SMMT reporting certification bodies
• To support and participate in IATF technical working groups
• To undertake SMMT’s Office Assessments and Witness Audits
• To manage IATF Complaint Management Process with SMMT reporting Certification Bodies

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED BY JOB HOLDER:

• Honours Degree or equivalent would be desirable but not essential
• Solid experience of working as an auditor in a manufacturing sector with detailed technical knowledge of related standards
• Knowledge and experience of working in an IATF certification body with scheme management experience would be an advantage
• Solid experience of customer engagement and relationship management at a senior level
• Excellent problem-solving skills and mindset – proven competency in 8D approach
• Excellent communication skills – written and oral; including public speaking – experience of delivering training would be advantageous
• Excellent interpersonal skills – confident, articulate with a persuasive manner
• Highly motivated and target orientated with clear focus on high quality
• Must be confident and credible in dealing with senior executives of large corporate organisations.
• Creative and innovative with the ability to work under pressure and meet targets – able to step up to the challenge when required.
• Have a positive and enthusiastic approach to team-working with a keen sense of shared objectives and common goals
• Must be diplomatic and tactful
• Flexibility, willingness to learn, be involved and adapt
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively on different projects and initiatives
• A high level of IT skills – use of Power BI would be advantageous

MAIN DUTIES INCLUDE:

• To lead and manage SMMT’s engagement with IATF reporting Certification Bodies ensuring effective implementation of the certification scheme Rules in their systems and processes.
• Lead office assessments and undertake witness audits with SMMT reporting Certification Bodies
• Active nonconformity management with Certification Bodies including repeat nonconformity analysis, looking for trends and systemic issues to address with CBs.
• Management of nonconformity appeal process from Certification Bodies
• Performance monitoring and reporting of both the Oversight function and Certification Bodies.
• Plan, deliver and follow up on certification body meetings
• Lead complaint management process with certification bodies including red supplier programme
• Management of waiver and transfer requests
• Participate and support IATF working groups and technical subgroups
• Research and maintain knowledge and understanding of the Certification Body landscape
• Support and participate in SMMT related events and meetings including helping to develop a ‘Quality’ related conference
• Support other SMMT projects and initiatives as required

Prospective candidates should send a CV and covering letter to [email protected] by 28 February 2025.

A new vacancy now exists for a Head of Commercial Data Solutions in SMMT Data Intelligence.

PURPOSE OF POST:

• Be responsible for understanding current and future customer needs, developing targeted marketing strategies, analysing the competitive landscape, and maximising revenue growth through effective sales and customer engagement initiatives.
• Oversee audience segmentation, lead generation, creative strategy, campaign execution, and performance metrics (including budgeting, return on investment, and customer experience) to drive brand visibility and revenue.
• Lead the go-to-market strategy and build the marketing platform for SDI’s Data Shop, positioning SMMT as the UK’s leading automotive data provider.
• Lead the pricing policy for SDI products and services and to inform revisions and re-evaluations as appropriate for timely adoption.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED BY JOB HOLDER:

• Proven experience in B2B marketing, preferably data and digital-driven, in automotive or adjacent industries.
• Extensive experience in pricing strategies and revenue modelling.
  Proven ability to build positioning, go-to-market plans, and strong results-driven marketing campaigns.
• Experience with data, performance metrics, market intelligence tools, and ROI assessment.
• Hands-on experience executing multi-channel marketing—digital and traditional.
• Ability to assess and elevate user journeys and visual messaging.
• Confidence in communication with senior leadership, external agencies, and diverse audience segments.
• Experience with handling budgets, agencies, timelines, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to extract actionable insights from complex data sets.
• Competence in market research, competitor analysis, and customer segmentation.
• Experience in pricing policy, strategy, current and new customer approach, as well as for new products and services
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with CRM and marketing automation tools.
• Commercial acumen and a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Commercially minded, able to blend authoritative trust with compelling market appeal.
• Resourceful and cost-effective, adept at navigating initiatives within a moderate budget.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and skilled at unlocking new data and stakeholder relationships.
• Creative thinker, with a customer-centric lens and ability to champion evidence-backed campaigns.
• Results-driven and growth-oriented.
• Strategic thinker who is innovative and resourceful in identifying opportunities and solutions.
• High level of integrity and professionalism when representing the company to stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

MAIN DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Design and execute a multi-channel marketing plan, including recommendations on which main channels to use and what budget level and KPIs to set per channel.
• Identify and target audiences effectively, ensuring strong alignment with insights gained from market research on vehicle manufacturers and importers (OEMs), policymakers, financial services, fleet operators, academia, and media, and recommend tailored messaging per segment.
• Monitor and analyse market trends, competitor activity, and alternative data products to inform strategy.
• Develop and execute plans to maintain and increase annual revenue growth beyond the established 6% year-on-year benchmark.
• Collaborate with product, sales, and customer service teams to optimise product offerings and customer experience.
• Manage and grow the company’s social media presence (especially on LinkedIn).
• Ensure clear alignment with the digital strategy to maximise the use and benefit of SEO in line with the marketing plan and ensure the optimum customer journey across SMMT and DataShop touchpoints.
• Manage the marketing budget for the best possible benefit of the business.
• Guide and oversee creative treatment, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and the data value proposition.
• Help deliver a distinct brand positioning to differentiate SMMT/SDI in the automotive data market.
• Track and report on campaign performance, leads generated, conversions, and ROAS; continuously optimise based on insight.
• Conduct in-depth analysis to understand what customers do with vehicle data purchased, gaining insight into use cases and value drivers.
• Identify new customer segments and opportunities for business expansion.
• Work closely with the Business Development Manager to ensure alignment of marketing and sales objectives with overall business goals.
• Devise and deliver campaigns to promote licensing of vehicle data to both existing and new customers.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and meetings as required.

Prospective candidates should send a CV and covering letter to [email protected] by 19 November 2025.