Research Project Delivery
* To lead the research & development activities within the company, informing new strategies, including by gaining a full appreciation of existing competitor helmets, technology and performance.
* To identify areas for potential improvement across the existing Champion product range, including by adopting emerging technologies from other sectors.
* To exploit the benefits of computational design in the performance of new and existing products. To oversee manufacture of a prototype helmet design, for mechanical validation.
* To identify and influence the adoption of superior product performance standards nationally and internationally.
* To manage progression from prototype to full-scale manufacture in the on-site production line.
* To effectively communicate new technologies and transfer knowledge to both internal and external audiences.
Internal & External Interaction
* To ensure that the Local Management Committee (LMC), Academic and Industrial Supervisors, and all other relevant colleagues are kept fully appraised of developments, undertakings and issues with respect to project developments.
* To actively integrate in committees both at the industrial and academic partners.
Compliance
* To comply with the contractual expectations at Cardiff University, and the local practices at Champion Manufacturing
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Education
* Achieved, or being close to achieving, a postgraduate or PhD degree aligned to biomechanics, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering.
Knowledge Skills and Experience
* A proven track record in analytical, scientific research, including performing rigorous and systematic engineering investigation and exploiting new technologies from wider industries.
* Computational skill including computer aided design, finite element analysis and manufacturing software.
* Expertise in material science, ideally relevant to impact protection and mitigation applications.
* A high level of practical ability, being able to translate concepts into realisable prototypes and appreciating the demands associated with full scale production.
* To be both self-driven and so demonstrate effective and efficient independent working, whilst also leading the Research & Development strategy and team.
* Experience in effectively manage resources and budget, forecasting new market trends and mitigating potential risks.
* Proven communication skills, including effectively developing and documenting standard operating procedures and effectively transfer knowledge to non-experts in the company and wider networks.
Specific Experience
* To have an understanding of impact mitigation, energy absorbing structures, personal protective safety, or another field aligned to achieving enhanced head protection.
Specific Qualities
1. A flexible approach to working hours, with a willingness and ability to attend occasional evening functions and spend occasional nights away from home. There is also an expectation that this post will involve some overseas travel, to a series of collaborators for periods of up to 1 month, and for shorter visits to attend conferences.
Desirable Criteria
* Relevant professional qualifications.
* Knowledge and experience in multi-functional sensing.
* Knowledge and experience related to emerging manufacturing processes and materials.
* Expertise in graphic product design to create imagery/animations/visualisation.
* Knowledge of material properties currently used in equestrian protection products (e.g. PVC nitrile foams)
* Welsh language skills.
IMPORTANT : Additional Requirements for Job Description
Reporting
* To prepare papers including an internal progress report and financial update, for the quarterly Local Management Committee
* To report to both the academic and industrial based supervisors at least every two weeks, ensuring that the team remain up to date with all technical and commercial activities
* To continue to seek opportunities to author high quality research publications, and protect any novel intellectual property.
Other
* To engage with all the professional development opportunities that are core to this position.
* To participate where appropriate in Champion Manufacturing and University administration, and any reasonable activities that promote either party or their work to the outside world.
Additional Information
IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 20748 BR.
Salary Range Min.
42,254
Salary Range Max.
42,254
Job Category
Academic - Research
Grade
Grade 5