Head of Performance Optimisation

Williams Racing

Grove, United Kingdom

Role Purpose:

Reporting to the Head of Performance Systems, you will lead a group of Performance Optimisation Engineers who have the primary goal of answering the challenging vehicle performance questions through leveraging our simulation tools and thus advancing our understanding of overall car performance.

Working closely with senior engineering team, you will enable your team to look at both current and future car programs using our prime simulation tools and driver in the loop simulator to steer the current and future car development.

We strive to answer questions across the whole car, taking direction from the Chief Engineers to research all mechanical performance trades, aerodynamics, tyre performance, brake performance and suspension optimisation.  

You will use your influence with your direct reports and the wider senior team, working closely with the Head of Performance Systems to push out new innovative solutions that support these aims.

As we strive to improve it is imperative all groups work effectively with each other. In this role, you will be close to the major projects being worked on and you will be proactive in leaning in if things are not going to plan.

Thriving in an environment of clear, continuous communication and collaboration, you will be able to successfully manage priorities and deliver results in a dynamic setting. You will have the ability to think strategically whilst also not being afraid to roll up your sleeves and deliver. You act as a role model, upholding the company’s values at every touchpoint. You will seek opportunities through curiosity and demonstrate a growth mindset.

Main Duties: 

You will provide the technical leadership to Performance Optimisation team and help them on the path to data driven decisions, balancing the work requirement across current and future car programs.
The team will perform simulation and analysis activities related to all areas of car performance, aero characteristics, suspension optimisation, tyre optimisation and stiffness / weight trades.
The team will organise structured DIL Simulator test programs as part of the studies into performance optimisation.
Analysing data to extract insights to identify areas for improvement, which is critical for refining set up and improving overall performance
Collaborating with other key technical leaders across all the engineering disciplines and help foster a drive to constantly be improving our understanding our knowledge on performance topics.
Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements, working with the team to incorporate innovative solutions into practice.
Provide leadership and mentoring to the Performance Optimisation team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and teamwork. Provide guidance for professional development and enhancement to foster a positive change mindset and high performance
Facilitate communication channels to keep the teams informed and engaged
Ensure that teams with allocated resources are optimising workflows, accounting for these via accurate cost cap reporting and meeting project deadlines
Work closely with other departments to ensure the car is able to match the vision, challenging the norm and pushing for optimum solutions
Report openly and concisely, ensuring all stakeholders are in the loop
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact. Report progress to senior leadership on the progress of initiatives.
Responsible for defining strategies and working with Head of Performance Systems to address performance issues including employee conduct, quality, and levels of output; ensuring we are at the leading-edge regarding delivery and efficiency, role modelling a culture of continual feedback.

 Qualifications and Experience Level: 

Extensive experience of working in Vehicle Dynamics/Performance Optimisation in a Formula 1 environment, leading a team in this area to deliver results
Relevant degree (or equivalent)
Strong leadership capabilities, able to engage with impact, build confidence and ignite commitment, navigate, and lead in a dynamic and evolving business landscape
Confident and well organised with the ability to clearly prioritise tasks and make sound decisions, based on good judgment, seeking input as required
Positively challenges the status quo to achieve a better outcome
Able to provide and receive constructive feedback and act on this with a genuine desire to improve theirs and their colleague’s performance
Strong communication and collaboration skills. Ability to cultivate highly effective working relationships at all levels with a wide range of groups and disciplines
Great analytical and decision-making skills
Is accountable – always
Resilient and tenacious, able to work at pace and adapt to change
Demonstrates a solution focussed approach and is proactive in resolving any challenge that they are faced with