Jaguar Land Rover enhances electric vehicle production chain by adding 50 new positions for industry experts

In a bid to secure continual supply and uphold the highest standards in its supply chain, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has appointed 50 new specialists to focus on material mapping and data analysis for improving traceability and ethical sourcing of critical materials across its electric vehicle (EV) supply chains.

This move comes against a backdrop of global volatility, including the aftermath of the pandemic, Red Sea shipping disruption, and regional conflicts. With global demand for battery minerals rising and regulatory scrutiny intensifying, material traceability is becoming a strategic differentiator in the automotive industry.

JLR's Supply Chain Mapping and Transparency Manager, Jaspal Gill, stated that the goal is to identify the true source of parts to secure continual supply and uphold the highest supply chain standards. The newly recruited team is tasked with collecting and interpreting granular data to create a full picture of supplier tiers and raw material origins, allowing for proactive mitigation of potential stoppages and stricter compliance with emerging regulations.

Ama Agyewaa Sappor, a new Supply Chain Mapping and Transparency Manager at JLR, brings 15 years of experience in supply chain operations and a strong commitment to ethical practice. Sappor emphasized the importance of sustainable end-to-end supply chain operations. She chose to work at JLR due to its commitment to people and planet.

JLR has collaborated with organizations such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and the London Metal Exchange (LME) to conduct physical audits of raw materials at the mining stage. The company has also invested in digital technologies including AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to support real-time supply chain intelligence.

This training initiative is part of a £20m ($27m) annual commitment to workforce upskilling to support JLR's transition to electrified luxury vehicles. JLR has already trained more than 20,000 employees in specialist topics such as modern slavery prevention and export controls.

JLR's expansive network includes around 4,500 direct suppliers and intricate flows of materials for batteries, motors, and high-voltage electronics. The newly created roles are aimed at providing real-time visibility over components and raw materials essential for battery systems and high-voltage components, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and graphite.

By anticipating and avoiding disruptions through greater transparency and early risk detection, JLR aims to ensure the resilience of its supply chain, particularly as long and complex supply routes spanning borders and jurisdictions are particularly vulnerable to sudden shocks.

Jaguar Land Rover enhances electric vehicle production chain by adding 50 new positions for industry experts