Obsolescence and Whole Life Cost Manager

Contract Dates: ASAP
Location: Ideally Chippenham

Length of Contract: Minimum 6 months

What are my responsibilities?

As the Obsolescence and Whole life cost Manager, you will be responsible for both the Customer Services obsolescence management process as well as the provision of support and guidance to the company’s Whole life cost model generation. You will report to the Customer Services Engineering team and will provide regular obsolescence reporting of our products to both the business and our customers as well as maintain ownership of the processes used for Whole life cost generation.

To undertake a range of obsolescence engineering and whole life cost management activities in line with the company strategy, these are:

• To develop and maintain a product/component database that is coordinated with both the component OEM’s or licenced distributors and recognised analytical reporting tools.

• To perform analysis of the company’s products using recognised analytical tools to identify current and future obsolescence issues.

• To perform regular reporting of product availability to our customers and define obsolescence statuses of each product to component level.

• To build a relationship with third party equipment or ‘COTS’ suppliers to forecast future availability and alternative solutions at a unit or system level.

• To notify our customers of product availability issues and options in a timely manner that adheres to agreements in place between ourselves and our customers.

• To work closely with various engineering departments within the company to identify and resolve obsolescence issues which may involve organising ‘last time buys’ or re-design.

• To provide technical reports to engineering management to justify ‘last time buy’ or ‘re-design’ strategies for individual products as and when required.

• Provide input with relation to whole life cost models for future contract bids.

• Provide technical advisory services related to Product lifecycles and the impact to Whole life cost models

What do I need to qualify for this job?

• Highly motivated and driven personality.
• Excellent communications skills and understanding of task and time management.
• HNC / HND or Degree level education in electronic engineering or a closely related subject.
• Good knowledge and understanding of electrical and electronic components.
• Familiar with ‘product lifecycle management’ and related change and validation processes.
• Experience in the rail industry would be advantageous.
• Understanding of obsolescence management standards (BS EN IEC 62402).
• Good IT skills, especially with regards to databases and data handling.