Open To Work
Benjamin Mottrom
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
Dynamic Engineering Leader with over 20 years of experience in senior roles, driving business growth through effective leadership and team development. Proven track record in managing multi-million dollar project portfolios across diverse engineering disciplines, particularly in manufacturing and automotive sectors. Expertise in strategic planning, project management, and fostering continuous improvement initiatives that yield measurable results. Committed to cultivating high-performing teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engineering Director
AutoPacific Group
Melbourne
09.2024 - 02.2026
- Increased OEM towing project output by 30%, delivering over 150 new products to market.
- Developed engineering strategy and structure to drive growth in towing and functional accessories.
- Directed engineering activities for OE and aftermarket towing, plus OE functional accessories.
- Controlled $10m engineering budget, achieving $1m savings for FY25.
- Led team of 40 engineers and jig makers, boosting performance through targeted coaching and clear standard setting.
- Restructured department to align projects with customer needs and enhance operational synergies.
- Designed and manufactured jigs, optimizing production efficiency by 50%.
- Managed product testing and validation using NATA-accredited laboratory facilities.
Engineering Manager
Altec Australia Holdings Pty Ltd
Melbourne
08.2019 - 08.2024
- Led Australian engineering department in testing and certifying elevated work platforms (EWPs) and digger derricks for market entry.
- Led development and release of four new EWP models: AT37P, AT46P, TA55, Kazan DB41B, ensuring alignment with market needs.
- Engineered mechatronic EWP control and safety system, standardizing electrical architectures and streamlining production.
- Integrated hydraulic EWP control using Parker IQAN and configured software compliant with AS1418.10 for Australian specifications.
- Reduced build cycle by 40 hours per vehicle through standardized chassis electrical harness system.
- Developed localized vehicle project management and quoting systems, improving costing accuracy and cutting quote time by 50%.
- Directed unit quoting, technical sales, production support, customer support, warranty, and new product development initiatives to enhance overall project delivery.
- Mentored and coached local engineering team, fostering growth and skill development to enhance team capabilities.
Product Development Manager
Camec Pty Ltd
Melbourne
03.2016 - 08.2019
- Led R&D department in designing, testing, and launching diverse RV products for market.
- Introduced first-to-market RV keyless entry system to enhance security and convenience.
- Utilized rapid prototyping and 3D printing technologies to expedite product development timelines.
- Engineered products tailored for Australian RV conditions, enhancing manufacturing processes and supporting sales efforts.
- Expanded door range by introducing new models featuring integrated door blinds.
- Implemented in-house testing systems and standards (DVP&R) to ensure product reliability.
- Created project management tracking and reporting system to improve accuracy and streamline administration.
Product Development Manager
Heavy Vehicles Australia Pty Ltd
Melbourne
07.2012 - 12.2015
- Developed and certified five new vehicle models, expanding product range by 60%.
- Achieved approximately 30% increase in sales volume in 2014 through strategic model development.
- Developed OEM chassis-based vehicles for Transport for NSW tender panel, achieving government supplier status.
- Executed in-house ADR certification for all models, achieving 20% reduction in development budget.
- Led engineering and development team in design and production of Australian King Long buses.
- Enabled continuous product improvement through collaboration with teams in China and Australia.
- Implemented Thoreb CAN-based vehicle control system for city buses.
- Developed specific control system software to meet ADR and bus standards.
Program Manager
Invetech Pty Ltd
Melbourne
03.2011 - 07.2012
- Achieved successful completion of eight projects on time and within budget, resulting in multiple patents.
- Led program management for diverse local and international engineering projects valued up to $400k.
- Communicated project vision and objectives to clients and teams, resulting in timely project completion.
- Acted as the primary contact for projects, overseeing team performance and final deliverables.
- Oversaw project execution to maintain high standards and meet client expectations.
- Developed strategic initiatives to streamline project management processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Facilitated cross-sector collaboration in FMCG, biomedical, and custom automation to drive project success.
- Conducted cost analysis for a major U.S. client, realizing approximately 35% cost reduction.
Vehicle Application Manager
Robert Bosch Australia
Melbourne
12.2008 - 03.2011
- Led Australian ABS/ESC vehicle application team of 12 engineers for projects across China, Korea, India, Japan, and Malaysia.
- Oversaw all application activities, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence for multiple projects.
- Managed project scopes of AUD 1 million to AUD 6 million, ensuring alignment with client needs and project goals.
- Delivered technical support for ABS/ESP projects in China, Korea, and Malaysia, fostering client relationships and securing repeat business.
- Assisted sales and project managers in acquiring international projects, achieving Proton ABS9 & ESP9 contracts after a decade.
- Conducted annual winter testing in China, New Zealand, and Sweden, enhancing engineer safety and validating application quality.
- Supported department in attaining CMMI Level 2 certification through effective management practices.
Application Specialist
Bosch Automotive
China
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Completed expatriate assignment at Bosch China, immersing in local operations and culture.
- Managed 10 local application engineers, overseeing ABS8 technical projects to ensure timely and effective execution.
- Directed all ABS8 training and vehicle education for application engineers.
- Completed Brilliance M1 ABS8 application project, achieving first-to-market status with ABS.
- Commissioned over 15 ABS projects, increasing production volumes and market share for Bosch.
- Designed and directed implementation of rough road test track extensions in Suzhou, reducing project timing by 20%.
- Assisted department manager in expanding engineering team from 15 to over 50 personnel through targeted recruitment and training initiatives.
- Led winter testing in northern Inner Mongolia, ensuring engineer safety and timely project completion.
- Trained staff on new applications and system updates, enhancing overall usability and user experience.
- Managed application testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Analyzed user requirements to enhance system functionality and performance.
Application Engineer
Robert Bosch Australia
Melbourne
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Led Ford Falcon and Territory ABS program, releasing 12 ABS8 calibrations to market.
- Engineered Nissan Caravan ABS8 program, achieving successful release of 2WD and 4WD calibrations in Japan.
- Directed CMC NPZ ABS8 program, mentoring new application engineer and releasing calibration in Korea.
- Conducted testing and application for ABS8 and TCS8 systems, enhancing system reliability across multiple countries.
- Conducted system testing and troubleshooting for application performance.
- Analyzed user feedback to improve application functionality and usability.
- Designed and developed software solutions for automotive applications.
- Managed customer visits and signoff process during winter tests in Sweden and New Zealand.
- Coordinated with local and international automotive OEMs to ensure compliance and optimize application performance.
Software Design Engineer
Robert Bosch Australia
Melbourne
03.2002 - 01.2004
- Developed industrial control software with VC++ and VB, enhancing system functionality and performance.
- Created technical design documentation detailing software architecture, facilitating clearer project communication and implementation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define project requirements, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations and project goals.
- Assisted in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues during development.
- Commissioned over 10 automatic test systems, including steering wheel sensor tunnel oven line and BMW active seat module.
- Commissioned testing systems globally to enhance operational efficiency.
- Designed electrical aspects of testing racks and equipment for electronics manufacturing facility.
- Ensured fast, accurate final testing of each module produced in Melbourne, Victoria.
Education
MBA - Business
University of Alabama At Bermingham (UAB)
Birmingham, Alabama12-2022
Certificate IV - Leadership and Management
Scouts Australia (SAIT)
12-2018
Bachelor of Engineering with Honors - Software Systems
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Melbourne, VIC12-2000
Skills
- Engineering strategy
- Project management
- Engineering program commissioning
- Executive engineering leadership
- Budget management
- International team management
- Talent development
- Team leadership
- Client management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Strategic planning
- Effective communication
References
Available on request
Certification
- MIEAust CPEng NER
- APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)
Languages
English
Full Professional
German
Limited
Training
- Scouts Australia, advanced (wood-badge) leader of youth and adult
- Bosch LeaD Management training
- Art of Consulting Training
- Australian Design Rules and Certification
- Advanced & High Performance driving
- KT Project management
- Conflict Management
- Level 2 first aid
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
$170000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Engineering Director
AutoPacific Group
09.2024 - 02.2026
Engineering Manager
Altec Australia Holdings Pty Ltd
08.2019 - 08.2024
Product Development Manager
Camec Pty Ltd
03.2016 - 08.2019
Product Development Manager
Heavy Vehicles Australia Pty Ltd
07.2012 - 12.2015
Program Manager
Invetech Pty Ltd
03.2011 - 07.2012
Vehicle Application Manager
Robert Bosch Australia
12.2008 - 03.2011
Application Specialist
Bosch Automotive
01.2007 - 12.2008
Application Engineer
Robert Bosch Australia
01.2004 - 12.2006
Software Design Engineer
Robert Bosch Australia
03.2002 - 01.2004
MBA - Business
University of Alabama At Bermingham (UAB)
Certificate IV - Leadership and Management
Scouts Australia (SAIT)
Bachelor of Engineering with Honors - Software Systems
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)