Product Compliance Manager

Kia is taking the lead to help more people drive electrified. 2022 was the most successful year in the company's history in the UK, and 2023 is set take things even further. Our cars have won numerous accolades. Our dealer network and customer service are rated among the best.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our winning team as we seek an enthusiastic and highly organised Product Compliance Manager. The Kia Product Team is part of the Marketing department and we are looking for someone who has thorough knowledge of UK automotive legislation and regulations. As well keeping up with the ever-changing world of compliance and homologation you will need to have your finger on the pulse of innovations in connected services, all while maintaining an appreciation to create the best product offering for our customers. The ideal candidate will be driven by detail, someone who dots every i and crosses every t, and takes pride in their work, working collaboratively across a wide variety of stakeholders.

The associated job description outlines the skills and knowledge you need for the role; if this sounds like you, and you can demonstrate your passion and drive to take this role to the next level we would love to hear from you.

At Kia UK offer a great benefits package and offer hybrid working with the option to work from home 2 days a week, the remaining days will be based at our Head Office in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

Please find the job profile for the role of Product Compliance Manager below.

Purpose of the Job

· Responsible for managing all compliance processes for Cross Carline and e-LCV models.

· Be the central Kia UK (KUK) contact for all KUK compliance and homologation matters.

· Act as an ambassador for Kia within and beyond the company, developing effective working relationships and collaboration with other KUK teams, Kia Head Quarters (KHQ) / Kia Europe (KEU) / Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC), group companies Hyundai Motors UK (HMUK) & Genesis Motors UK (GMUK), technical and Government bodies. 

Main Responsibilities/Tasks

· Manage the National Type Approval (NTA) process, working with KHQ, KEU, HMETC and colleagues at HMUK and GMUK to ensure KUK is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements and achieves the best position for KUK.

· Optimise KUK’s competitive performance in insurance criteria and safety issues by building and maintaining strong relationships with KHQ, KEU and HMETC as well as with external bodies such as Thatcham. Travel to attend security and crash testing at KHQ may be required. Work collaboratively with relevant product specialist/manager to manage the process of updating and approving new vehicles on Thatcham Plaza system. 

· Manage the KUK homologation process, including the timely receipt and checking of Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) documents in close collaboration with KHQ, KEU and other KUK teams. Submit documentation to VCA for GB Type Approval.

· Lead on liaison with Government and industry bodies through the application and approval process for derogation. Act as KUK representative for all relevant SMMT working group and committee meetings. Establish strong relationship with SMMT technical representatives to ensure KUK is always abreast of the latest industry discussions and legislative changes.

· Monitor industry trends to deliver insightful analysis and reporting, in partnership with KHQ and KEU colleagues, in the context of Government regulations and policy.

· Manage the end of life process for vehicle disposal, working with Press & PR, Training, Events, Supply Chain and other departments as required, to ensure vehicles are disposed of at end of life, and building/maintaining relationship with recycling/disposal providers.

· Full life management of pre-production vehicles. Working with relevant product specialist and managers to order, budget and allocate as required. Ensure timely disposal of vehicle when no longer required or at end of life.

· Led by HMETC, and conducted in conjunction with European and Korean colleagues, carry out static/dynamic vehicle evaluation for new models on an ad-hoc basis. Outsourced resource may be required to support this activity during busy periods.

· Manage/assist/support external queries received direct or via Customer Support/After Sales to provide information for Police enquiries, CoC requests and other queries as required.

· Provide ad-hoc support for Press and Marketing events as required.

· Work with the Product & Pricing Manager to stay up to date with all upcoming KUK portfolio plans and changes to ensure new vehicles are live on all relevant systems ahead of start of sales.

· Utilise a thorough understanding and appreciation of the product landscape and customer values to work with the KUK Product Team to provide input local planning and decisions.

· Work with the e-LCV & Connected Services Manager and other KUK teams to provide technical support, expertise and undertake testing of connected services and over-the-air software updates.

· Maintain knowledge and awareness of technical developments within the motor industry and communicate these where appropriate.

· Co-operate and collaborate with the e-LCV & Connected Services Manager and Product & Pricing Manager when compliance, product and price-related issues overlap, as well as acting for either manager when absent or when required by demand of irregular workload.

Person Specification

Education:

· Educated to degree level or graduate calibre.

Experience:

· Extensive experience of homologation and certification regulatory procedures.

· Thorough knowledge of the type approval process.

Skills:

· Established working relationship with regulatory bodies including VCA, DfT and Thatcham.

· Business analysis, planning and data processing skills.

· Numerate and PC literate.

· Excellent negotiation, presentation and inter-personal skills.

· Must be self-disciplined, self-motivated, and confident.

· Must display a high standard of personal presentation.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Experience, enthusiasm, and a keen interest in the automotive industry.

· Full valid UK driving licence.

At Kia, we are committed to employing the best-qualified people and provide equal opportunity for the advancement of employees including promotion and training and thereby not discriminating against any person because of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or disability.