Discrete Event Simulation (DES) Lead

Expleo is recruiting a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) Lead to support a major manufacturing programme based in Liverpool. This role suits a senior simulation professional with a strong background in production systems and process flow modelling, capable of leading DES activities from early concept through to production launch and post‑launch optimisation.

Location: Liverpool
Contract: Contract

The Role

You will be responsible for the development, delivery, and optimisation of Discrete Event Simulation models, covering the full lifecycle from concept through to production and early operational phases. The DES models will provide a fully detailed digital representation of the system, supporting decision‑making across performance, safety, quality, delivery, cost, people, and environmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development of Discrete Event Simulation models from concept modelling through to fully detailed system representation
Ensure models meet defined design scope, operating principles, and performance metrics
Drive system optimisation, identifying cost avoidance opportunities and capturing best practices for wider deployment
Work collaboratively with cross‑functional design teams to develop and optimise solutions within agreed timelines
Apply strong product and process knowledge to ensure potential design and operational constraints are considered
Coordinate and lead the communication of DES outputs through project reviews, design reviews, and dashboards
Lead optimisation studies across different system derivatives, mixes, and operational parameters
Conduct bottleneck analysis and develop mitigation or removal strategies
Lead throughput improvement studies and "what‑if" scenario analyses
Ensure DES activities align with build sequencing and order‑of‑build rules
Contribute to the ongoing development of DES tools, techniques, and modelling standards to improve capability and robustness
Mentor, coach, and support junior team members and graduates
Undertake additional duties aligned with the role as required by the line manager
Required Skills

Working knowledge and experience of Discrete Event Simulation toolset
Previous experience in using Lanner Witness or Siemens Technomatix Plant Simulation toolset
Previous experience and background in production process flow simulation, problem solving on complex technical systems.
Previous experience of bottleneck analysis using Discrete Event Simulation.
Previous experience of delivering Discrete Event Simulation to programme KPIs and targets
Experience in production sites
Relevant degree or equivalent experience preferred
A good communicator who can communicate complex ideas
A effective team player, actively leads, develops and supports team members
High levels of personal resilience, integrity and honesty as well as large amounts of humility for the team.
An individual who enables speed in decision making through establishing alignment, clarity, appropriate resources and sense of urgency whilst bringing others along

Desirable:

Experience in automotive production.
Experience working practices of programme integration and new programmes in automotive engineering