At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative exterior design projects and shape the future of McLaren vehicles.
- Company: Join McLaren, a leader in luxury automotive design and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top talent in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
- Why this job: Make a mark in the automotive world with your design vision and creativity.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in automotive design and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The Head of Advanced Exterior Design leads the creation and development of advanced exterior design projects across McLaren. The role is responsible for driving innovative design solutions within defined packaging constraints, shaping future vehicle architecture, and ensuring the output remains contemporary, technically credible, and aligned with McLaren’s brand direction and design ambition.
What You'll Do
- Lead advanced exterior design projects from concept through to design development.
- Create innovative and visually compelling exterior design solutions around fixed or evolving vehicle packages.
- Influence and support the development of future vehicle architectures through strong design vision and design-led thinking.
- Ensure all design outputs are progressive, on-trend, and consistent with McLaren’s design language and brand values.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, aerodynamics, product strategy, and studio leadership to balance creativity with technical feasibility.
- Present design proposals clearly and confidently to senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Guide and mentor designers within the advanced exterior design team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative environment.
- Contribute to the broader McLaren Design strategy through thought leadership, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Support the identification of emerging trends, technologies, and design opportunities relevant to future McLaren products.
- Maintain a strong awareness of competitor activity, market direction, and customer expectations to ensure design relevance and differentiation.
What You'll Bring
- Exceptional exterior design vision with a proven ability to deliver innovative automotive concepts.
- Strong understanding of vehicle packaging, proportion, surfacing, and design feasibility.
- Ability to influence architecture and technical development through design insight.
- High level of creativity, strategic thinking, and aesthetic judgment.
- Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead projects and teams in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
- Excellent collaboration skills across design, engineering, and program functions.
- Deep awareness of automotive design trends, premium/luxury market expectations, and future mobility direction.
Experience and Background
- Extensive experience in automotive exterior design, ideally within premium, luxury, or performance brands.
- Demonstrated success leading advanced or concept-led exterior design projects.
- Experience working closely with cross-functional technical teams on complex vehicle programs.
- Proven ability to translate strategic intent into highly resolved design proposals.
- Leadership experience within a design studio or advanced design environment.
Personal Attributes
- Highly creative and visually sophisticated.
- Proactive, confident, and solution-oriented.
- Able to balance originality with practicality.
- Strong sense of design leadership and accountability.
- Passionate about innovation, brand building, and design excellence.
Head of Advanced Exterior Design in Banbury employer: McLaren Automotive Ltd
McLaren is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for creative minds in the automotive design industry. With a commitment to employee growth, McLaren offers unique opportunities to lead cutting-edge projects while working alongside top-tier professionals in a dynamic environment. Located in a hub of automotive excellence, employees benefit from a vibrant work atmosphere that encourages forward-thinking and design excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Advanced Exterior Design in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and engage with McLaren's community. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to chat with someone from McLaren, have your best work ready to share. Make sure it highlights your innovative design solutions and aligns with their brand values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding McLaren’s design language and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your vision can shape future vehicle architectures and contribute to their design strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the McLaren team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Advanced Exterior Design in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Vision:When you're crafting your application, make sure to highlight your exceptional exterior design vision. Share specific examples of innovative automotive concepts you've delivered, and how they align with the cutting-edge nature of McLaren's brand.
Balance Creativity with Technical Feasibility:We want to see how you can blend creativity with practicality. In your written application, discuss your understanding of vehicle packaging and how you've influenced architecture and technical development in past projects.
Communicate Clearly and Confidently:Your presentation skills matter! Use your application to demonstrate how you can clearly articulate design proposals. Think about how you’ve engaged with senior stakeholders and decision-makers in previous roles.
Collaborate and Lead:Collaboration is key at McLaren. In your application, mention your experience working with cross-functional teams and how you've led projects in a fast-paced environment. Show us how you foster a high-performance culture within your team!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Automotive Ltd
✨Showcase Your Design Vision
Make sure to prepare a portfolio that highlights your best exterior design projects. Focus on showcasing innovative concepts and how they align with brand values, especially in the context of McLaren's design ambition.
✨Understand the Technical Side
Brush up on your knowledge of vehicle packaging and surfacing techniques. Be ready to discuss how your designs can influence architecture and technical development, demonstrating your ability to balance creativity with feasibility.
✨Master Your Presentation Skills
Practice presenting your design proposals clearly and confidently. Anticipate questions from senior stakeholders and be prepared to defend your design choices while showing how they meet market expectations and trends.
✨Collaborate and Lead
Highlight your experience in leading teams and collaborating with cross-functional groups. Share examples of how you've fostered a high-performance environment and mentored designers, as this will resonate well with McLaren's emphasis on teamwork and innovation.
