The opportunity

We're currently looking for a Cost Reduction Lead within our R&D team that will be pivotal in optimising the cost structure of Polestar's current and future vehicle models. Someone with a passion for electric mobility, an interest in technology, and a desire to create the change we know is needed. And someone who doesn't mind the occasional bit of sustainable travel in the service of a cleaner form of electric performance.

Whilst the role will be based in the UK and anchored in the Exteriors Function Group, it will cover all cost reduction activities for Exteriors, Chassis Systems & Body Structures function groups. Polestar R&D is a global team that covers all Polestar vehicle programmes, with key interfaces in Sweden & China, as well as the UK.

The responsibilities

In this role, you will focus on reducing both commercial and bill of material (BoM) costs while upholding or enhancing the quality and performance of our vehicles. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with multiple teams to identify cost-saving opportunities, implement effective cost reduction strategies, and monitor their impact. You will also collaborate with a matched pair in partner organisations to find shared opportunities that can be realised across different brands within the wider Geely group.

The successful candidate shall lead in monitoring, reporting and action to ensure progress on projects through internal and matched pair partner meetings. This role shall involve overall portfolio management, detailed risk assessments of initiatives and leading escalations to the PCM leadership team if deviations or support is needed. You will ensure quality and transparency through technical documentation (written or verbally) in the PCM systems and tools according to the PCM process in Polestar.

R&D engineers shall support the successful candidate with technical assessments, TARR (time adjusted rate of return) calculations and evaluating the maturity of identified cost potentials.

The ideal candidate

In order to succeed in this role, and at Polestar in general, there are a few characteristics you'll need to have. Tenacity. Flexibility. Curiosity. Drive. The ability to take the initiative, to meet deadlines & requirements, and to abandon ideas when they're not feasible.

You should have strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data using relevant software tools (e.g. MS Office Suite, JIRA, Confluence), and create clear, understandable output. Any product development experience, particularly within vehicle programme delivery, will be seen as a distinct benefit, as will familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or other cost reduction methodologies.

You must be able to form strong networks across the various business functions (R&D, Manufacturing, Procurement, Logistics, Finance), working in a transparent manner, employing your excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills.

In addition, you'll need the following:

• Degree in a relevant subject area, e.g. Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or significant equivalent experience
• Proven experience in cost reduction, cost analysis, or a related role within the automotive or manufacturing industry

Polestar is an international company, with various backgrounds represented. English, therefore, is the language of written and spoken communication. And though we have a global presence, we maintain the growth-mindset. Change happens often at Polestar. But so does progress. Expect an accelerating, exciting environment.

The process

If the above matches your ambitions, be sure to apply. Our selection process is ongoing, and the job advert will remain open until it’s filled.

The Polestar journey is an electric one.