Deputy Director – Test Labs, Validation & Proving Grounds, PATAC

This role is categorized as on-site. This means the successful candidate is expected to be physically located at PATAC, collaborate with the JV, and report to GM ​in Shanghai, China full time..

Lead PATAC Test Labs, Validation and Proving Grounds (T&V&PG) to plan, execute and report vehicle tests and validation for programs under PATAC responsibility. Partner closely with local leadership and global counterparts to define workshare, align technical and operational strategies, and ensure resources, facilities and investments support GM and SAIC business objectives.

• →Define and drive T&V&PG strategy and roadmap in alignment with SGM and PATAC product portfolios and executive committees.
• →Lead (in partnership with local leaders) validation planning, execution and reporting for vehicle programs under PATAC responsibility, in line with agreed workshare.
• →Co-lead Test Labs operations across Shanghai and Guangde, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality test execution and reporting.
• →Co-lead Proving Grounds operations and test activities for SGM-owned Guangde PG and rented facilities (e.g., Heihe, Turpan, Hainan), ensuring capability, capacity and safety.
• →Shape and agree workshare definitions with global and local stakeholders, secure senior-leadership approval, and ensure agreements are clearly documented and followed.
• →Evaluate and recommend investments in people, tools, systems, test properties and facilities to ensure timely capability and capacity for current and future programs.
• →Review and approve purchase requisitions from the T&V&PG team, ensuring budget discipline and alignment with strategic priorities.
• →Anticipate upcoming programs, milestones and workload; ensure the organization is ready with the necessary skills, processes, tools and facilities.
• →Review and pre-approve EE-related GVBR requests from PATAC, GMTCK and GM China.
• →Co-lead (with the VDDV ISP Director) the PATAC “Drive to Virtual” strategy and implementation, increasing use of virtual methods in validation.
• →Represent PATAC in key GM global forums (e.g., meetings, peer reviews), clearly articulating JV-specific needs and constraints so they are reflected in global processes, systems, procedures and workshare proposals.
• →Build, develop and retain a high-performing, diverse leadership team; coach and grow talent at all levels within T&V&PG.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related major required.
• 10+ years of engineering and related experience in automotive or closely related industry.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering or test/validation organizations is desired and can be a plus
• Proven track record of leading complex test/validation operations, preferably including proving grounds and test labs.
• Demonstrated experience working in global, matrixed organizations and joint ventures is highly valued.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate business objectives into clear technical and operational plans.
• Demonstrated ability to make timely, balanced decisions in ambiguous and fast-changing environments.
• Ability to design and drive solutions for complex technical and organizational problems.
• Strong collaboration skills; able to work effectively across functions, cultures, regions and joint-venture partners.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align senior stakeholders.
• Consumer- and target-oriented mindset; objective, data-driven and results-focused.
• Innovation mindset, with the ability to challenge status quo and lead change (e.g., virtual validation, new methods and tools).
• Committed to developing others; builds strong teams and a culture of continuous improvement and safety.

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