Surandi Varma

Surface Material Integration Specialist (Soft Trims) @JLR

Gaydon, GB

As a Lead SMI Specialist, proficient in A-surface materials for Core & Special Vehicle programmes, I lead the integration of new material technologies from concept to production. My focus is on delivering premium, sustainable, and manufacturable materials that embody Jaguar Land Rover’s Modern Luxury and Reimagine strategies, ensuring every innovation aligns with both design intent and engineering feasibility.Key Responsibilities:Material Development Leadership: Lead end-to-end development, validation, and industrialization of A-surface materials, managing full ownership of technical and aesthetic outcomes.Innovation & Sustainability: Deliver 10+ premium material innovations across interiors and trims, integrating sustainable technologies that cut environmental impact by 15–20% per programme.Programme Management: Oversee material programmes, creating timing plans, master specs, and quality standards, achieving 98% on-time project delivery across multiple vehicle lines.Supplier & Quality Collaboration: Partner with Materiality Design, Engineering, and Supplier Quality to re-engineer materials post-test failures and manage Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers for process maturity and luxury standards.Benchmarking & Process Mastering: Conduct benchmarking and lead creation of master samples and aesthetic standards to ensure consistent colour, texture, and finish quality.Build & Launch Support: Support vehicle builds and material maturation, ensuring a seamless design-to-manufacturing transition while maintaining brand integrity.Cross-Functional Leadership: Guide collaboration between Creative, Engineering, Research, Sustainability, and Procurement teams to drive innovation in material technologies.