Raj Taheem Email & Phone Number

Sheffield, Gb

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom

Coventry, England, United Kingdom

Alfreton, Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Hired to oversee a vast operation and spearhead transformative initiatives worldwide for this global automotive supplier.I initiated the integration of Lear programme management principles into newly acquired manufacturing plants, collaborating extensively with stakeholders from various departments including Quality, Sales, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Design, Engineering, and Supply Chain. This involved gathering input, creating a reliable process, and conducting trials on selected projects, resulting in a tailored Lear Programme Management process for the Surface Materials Division.I piloted rollout across cross-matrix teams in North America, Asia, and Europe, enhancing existing processes, identifying project gaps and establishing timelines. I influenced best practices across templates, conducted trials on small projects, and led the end-to-end launch of new vehicle cabin surface materials programmes for prestigious OEMs such as Jaguar Land Rover, SVO, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Ford, Renault/Nissan, INEOS, and Stellantis Group.I negotiated with customers on technical, and quality standards, ensured industrialisation in the plant environment, and managed an effective change management process. I successfully mitigated risks, managed contract reviews, and led a global core team, continuously driving process improvements and achieving programme audits and KPIs across various parameters.Pivotal as Programme Leader, I delivered the plant transfer for manufacturing machines to Poland, coordinating, customer approvals, and the seamless transfer of +500 product references, on budget/time. Throughout, I consistently demonstrated an eye for detail, proactive risk management, and a strategic approach to drive successful outcomes.With commercial experience, I developed a strong reputation for vision and problem solving, which led to being selected and assigned to high-value and high-risk strategic projects, including turnaround, dealing with customer face-to-face.

Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

In this role, I delivered a consistent record of 'A' ratings in customer project audits for all new launch programmes at a global market-leading automotive/flat glass, chemicals, and E-Systems supplier. I spearheaded meticulous preparation efforts to ensure comprehensive consideration, documentation, and planning of all criteria deliverables, concurrently managing ongoing updates to maintain project momentum. With focus on continuous improvements, I overcame a 3-month tool timing delay resulting from a late customer design change, orchestrating a successful dual model start of production timing for the new Toyota Avensis & Auris models. Additionally, I innovatively introduced reliable cost control and programme visibility tools for European assembly plants, including the creation of a standardised template to facilitate seamless cost comparison reporting and further profitability improvements.A key highlight of my contributions was the revolutionization of best practices through the implementation of a recyclable and reusable catalogue for tooling and equipment, promoting sustainability and enabling resource sharing among different plants.I played a pivotal role in navigating critical pathways with Legal and Purchasing divisions, ensuring the smooth removal of company tooling from a supplier during the closure/liquidation process. I also implemented a resourcing recovery plan to support launch readiness, involving leading a task force to remove tooling assets at supplier site, sourcing an alternative supplier, and rapidly producing a prototype and validation production-ready parts to mitigate risks, bringing the project back on schedule, and avoiding any customer impact.

Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

I was promoted to spearhead an ambitious business growth strategy for the vehicle glazing account, servicing major automotive players such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi in Europe.My approach involved proactively engaging with customers prior to RFQ release, front-loading commercial and technical strategies, and meticulously preparing offers encompassing technical, logistical, and economic considerations. I took charge of negotiating new business contracts with both customers and suppliers. Additionally, I efficiently mobilised resources within geographical areas for new contract assignments, led the preparation of sales budgets, managed follow-up results, and adeptly handled negotiations of forecast deviations with customers.An instrumental achievement during this tenure was the significant improvement in the business relationship with Honda's purchasing quality and delivery departments. This effort resulted in our account receiving the prestigious 'Supplier Excellence Award 2005' from Honda, acknowledging our exceptional performance in surpassing all supplier targets.In a strategic move, I successfully negotiated and secured $multi-millions in annual sales turnover for new/replacement model business in a competitive sourcing scenario. I was pivotal in influencing Honda to reconsider its sourcing decision, redirecting the business our way after initially awarding it to competitors.I played a key role in selling the business case and becoming the pilot for a new plant start-up manufacturing facility in Turkey. This involved capturing new business with Toyota and Honda and managing the entire project, from plant manufacturing line installation to first-off tool product approvals.Notably, I achieved a sustained increase in return on sales for current parts in the Toyota and Honda account by skilfully negotiating energy prices' impact and maintaining positive profitability above the company target from 2005 to 2011.

Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

Recruited to provide technical know-how and to negotiate sales solutions with the customer in accordance with company strategy and targets, reporting to the Account Manager.Responsibilities include management and interpretation of customer technical requirements, preparation of AGC specification and drawings, calculating offers accordingly, sub supplier selection, study of value add/value engineered proposals, administration of the account, and commercial reporting to head office in Japan and Europe.

Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Recruited to provide leadership and regenerate store financial performance, reporting to the Regional Manager. Responsibilities include customer service, recruitment of staff, organising staff training, shift planning, meeting weekly sales targets, creating visual store displays, stock ordering, and managing security issues

Coventry, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Position sought to spend a year in industry for work experience, prior to attending my course at University. This involved work placements in multiple departments including design/engineering, quality, and production.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba Hons), Automotive And Transport Design

Mini Mba University Programme