The Test & Validation Supervisor leads the day-to-day execution of physical testing within the Test & Validation department, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of all production and validations tests. This role focuses on work scheduling, maximising labour and asset utilisation, and the delivery of high-quality tests and data. 

The Supervisor is responsible for organising technician resources, maintaining high standards of safety and rig readiness, and ensuring performance targets are met. The role also contributes to cost control, process improvement, and delivery of future testing capabilities which includes operational support for the internal Powertrain Test Facility.  

Main Duties:   

• Operational Duties & Key Objectives 
• Supervise and prioritise daily test operations including support for VTT, Brake Dyno, K&C, CofG, MPR and FIA rig environments. 
• Coordinate test execution for Engineering and Production, leading the Team Leader to meet delivery schedules and quality expectations. 
• Optimise labour and asset utilisation by aligning technician/engineer tasks and rig usage with the daily and weekly plans. 
• Contribute to accurate scheduling, resource forecasting, and resolving rig bottlenecks. 
• Drive continuous improvement in test execution, reducing setup time and minimising downtime. 
• Support KPI tracking and delivery for test throughput, quality of data, and rig uptime. 
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, test protocols, and engineering standards. 
• Report delays, failures, or safety concerns and contribute to root cause analysis. 
• Monitor and support the operation of the internal Powertrain Test Facility. 
• Assist in the planning and readiness of future facility upgrades and equipment commissioning. 

Team & Culture Development 

• Use the Operational Performance Management (OPM) system to directly support, mentor and develop the Test & Validation Team Leader, fostering high-performance and accountability. 
• Build and embed a strong culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement. 
• Support development pathways, succession planning and cross-training across the department. 
• Provide day-to-day direction and support to technicians and test engineers. 
• Support onboarding, skill development, and role modelling of positive behaviours, ensuring the team lives Williams ’values and actively contributes to a collaborative and inclusive workplace. 
• Maintain up-to-date skills matrices and contribute to training plans. 
• Deliver constructive feedback and support the performance review process. 

KPI & performance development 

• Champion lean operating principles, workplace 5S, and digitalisation where appropriate. 
• Support achievement of departmental KPIs including test output, plan adherence, and cost control. 
• Identify and implement efficiency improvements to reduce waste and test cycle time. 
• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives through better planning, utilisation, and rig performance. 
• Ensure high standards of maintenance, calibration, data accuracy, quality assurance and compliance. 
• Collaborate with the Test & Validation Manager to review performance trends and set improvement targets. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Maintain strong working relationships with Engineering, Operations, and other supporting functions. 
• Ensure effective departmental communication through OPM’s, regular briefings, structured updates, and plan reviews. 
• Provide timely updates to senior management on project delivery, issues, and departmental performance. 
• Be a positive role model and ambassador for the department and strive to build a strong working relationship with colleagues in other departments and at the track. 

Brand Management 

• Maintain high standard of staff, department, and test rig presentation, as appropriate for a showcase facility visited by potential sponsors and other VIPs.  

Health, Safety & Compliance 

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety policies, risk assessments and COSHH guidelines. 
• Lead by example in promoting a safety-first culture. 
• Ensure PPE usage and safety procedures are always adhered to in the test environment. 

Qualifications and Experience Level 

• Proven leadership experience leading a technical or operational team, ideally in a test environment. 
• Strong planning and organisational skills to manage labour and rig resources effectively. 
• Clear communicator with the ability to lead and support a team of technicians & engineers 
• Working knowledge of test equipment and procedures. 
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and high-quality standards. 

Strong operational management skills with experience in: 

• Resource planning and scheduling 
• Budgeting and KPI management 
• Facility uptime and utilisation improvement 
• Experience developing and mentoring teams, with a focus on performance management, succession planning, and cross-training.  

This job description is not exhaustive, and the job holder will be required to carry out from time-to-time tasks in addition to the above that will be both reasonable and within their capabilities.