At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in manufacturing controls and drive innovative automotive projects.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars with a diverse culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a structured career development framework.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values diversity, equality, and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the automotive industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive manufacturing and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 54090 - 66110 £ per year.
Job Title
Manufacturing Controls Manager
Ref #
59699
Date posted
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
- Business area
- Manufacturing
- Department
- Manufacturing Controls
- Position level
- 4 - Management / Technical Expert (L - 19)
- Working time
- Full Time
- Contract type
- Permanent
- Working pattern
- 0800 to 1700 - Monday to Friday
- Salary
- N/A
- What to Expect
The Controls Manager leads the Manufacturing Controls function, executing the strategic direction set by the Head of E/E integration and providing people and delivery leadership across manufacturing electrical processes, diagnostics, End-of-Line (EOL) capability, software deployment, vehicle commissioning, product quality and production support.
The role manages a multi-disciplinary team covering process and systems engineering, controls, diagnostics, software development, integration and production quality.
It supports vehicle programmes through VP, PP, SOP and series production, working across Engineering, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, IT, Aftersales, programme teams and suppliers.
This is a leadership and management role, accountable for both delivery and how the team operates.
The manager provides clear objectives, support, development and accountability, and leads calmly and decisively through technical disagreement, production disruption, resource constraints and difficult people situations.
What You'll Do
Leadership & People Management • Lead, motivate and develop the team, building ownership, accountability, teamwork and engineering excellence.
- Set clear responsibilities and objectives; provide regular one-to-ones, coaching, mentoring, constructive feedback and development planning.
- Address performance concerns, behavioural challenges and conflict early, fairly and professionally; adapt to different working styles while maintaining consistent standards.
- Encourage respectful, evidence-based technical challenge; develop capability, succession and future technical leaders.
- Prioritise workloads and resources across programmes and operations, resolving capacity conflicts and protecting the team from unnecessary or conflicting demands.
- Stakeholder, Supplier & Strategic Leadership
- Represent Manufacturing Controls in technical, programme and management forums; communicate decisions, risks and priorities clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Build constructive cross-functional relationships, reconcile competing demands and hold stakeholders and suppliers accountable for agreed timing, quality and support.
- Address supplier delivery concerns objectively, define recovery actions and escalate where necessary.
- Execute the long-term Controls strategy set by the Head of E/E integration; improve standardisation, automation, diagnostic and software reuse, data utilisation and traceability.
Embed lessons learned and build capability for evolving vehicle architectures.
- Technical Delivery & Operational Responsibilities
- Technical & Functional Leadership
Provide leadership and governance across
- Vehicle electrical/electronic architectures and networks: CAN, CAN FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS and Do IP.
- Manufacturing diagnostics and toolchains; ETAS GRADE-X authoring and controlled deployment; OTX and ODX/PDX diagnostic content.
- EOL test and validation; vehicle software download, coding, configuration, commissioning and release.
- Software and application development, production test systems, manufacturing controls applications, traceability and manufacturing systems integration.
- Cybersecurity, secure software deployment, product quality and vehicle fault diagnosis.
The manager need not execute every detailed engineering activity personally, but must have the judgement to challenge proposals, assess risks, recognise inadequate evidence, make informed decisions and apply the right expertise.
- Programme Delivery & Production Readiness
- Own execution of Controls delivery in line with the strategic direction set by the Head of E/E integration, ensuring engineering capability supports VP, PP, SOP and series production.
- Translate programme and Manufacturing objectives into priorities, resource plans, deliverables and accountable ownership.
- Deliver requirements, validation plans, PFMEAs, Control Plans, readiness evidence, software releases, diagnostic content and supporting documentation to agreed programme timing.
- Ensure solutions are robust, repeatable, supportable and production ready before implementation.
- Balance immediate production needs with long-term engineering integrity; prevent temporary recovery measures becoming uncontrolled permanent solutions.
- Escalate significant risks with evidence, impact assessments, ownership and recovery proposals.
- Quality, Issue Resolution & Operational Leadership
- Lead the response to significant vehicle, software, electrical, diagnostic and production-process issues.
- Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and suppliers, establishing clear ownership during production-critical situations.
- Use structured containment, root-cause analysis, corrective action and effectiveness verification; drive permanent resolution rather than repeated containment or avoidable rework.
- Remain calm and decisive under pressure, basing decisions on evidence, safety, quality and business impact.
- Challenge repeated failures, weak corrective actions, uncontrolled deviations and inadequate technical evidence.
- Ensure production pressure never creates unacceptable compromises to vehicle safety, product quality, process integrity, cybersecurity or traceability.
- What You'll Bring
- Technical Knowledge
Strong knowledge across several of the following areas is required
- Automotive electrical/electronic systems; Manufacturing Controls and commissioning; CAN, CAN FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS and Do IP.
- EOL test, software download, coding and configuration; ETAS GRADE-X, OTX and ODX/PDX or equivalent diagnostic environments.
- Software development and systems integration, potentially including C#, .
NET, Java, Python, Power Shell, Java Script/Type Script, SQL and REST APIs; manufacturing systems, databases and traceability.
- Electric/hybrid architectures and high-voltage systems; PFMEA, Control Plans and structured problem solving; cybersecurity, configuration management and release governance; Software Defined Vehicle and OTA concepts.
Experience
- Significant experience in automotive manufacturing, controls, electrical/electronic systems, diagnostics, systems integration, vehicle software or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrable engineering team leadership and line management, including objectives, coaching, development, workloads and performance management.
- Proven ability to lead through challenging technical, operational and people situations, and make decisions balancing timing, quality, cost, resources and technical requirements.
- Experience delivering multiple programmes or workstreams, engaging senior and cross-functional stakeholders, and managing supplier delivery concerns.
- Experience supporting prototype, pre-production, launch and series manufacture, with appropriate governance, validation and production-readiness processes.
- High-performance, premium or low-volume automotive manufacturing experience is highly desirable.
- Personal Attributes
A strong people leader: fair, consistent and development focused; comfortable addressing difficult situations directly and professionally.
Decisive, accountable, calm under pressure, resilient and pragmatic.
Technically credible, able to challenge assumptions and unacceptable risk, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Success Measures
- Team performance and capability: clear ownership, effective succession and demonstrable development.
- Programme delivery: on-time delivery and validated readiness across VP, PP, SOP and series production.
- Production performance: fewer Controls-related defects, repeat concerns, disruptions and avoidable rework.
- Technical maturity: robust diagnostics, software download, coding, commissioning, traceability and EOL capability.
- Leadership effectiveness: timely, professional resolution of resource conflicts, underperformance and competing priorities.
- Quality and governance: adherence to requirements, validation, configuration control, releases, cybersecurity, PFMEA and Control Plans.
- Issue resolution: effective containment and permanent corrective action supported by verified evidence.
- Stakeholder confidence: clear communication, effective escalation and constructive relationships.
- Continuous improvement: measurable gains in robustness, automation, standardisation, diagnostics, software quality and efficiency.
- Culture and behaviours: accountability, collaboration, constructive challenge, engineering discipline and professionalism.
- What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes
- Structured career development framework
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
- Enhanced company pension scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus award
- Private medical insurance and health cash plan
- Life assurance benefit
- Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- Generous parental leave policies
- A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
Who Are We?
No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. Mc Laren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.
It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks.
Mc Laren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special.
Join us on our journey.
Manufacturing Controls Manager in Woking employer: McLaren Group
McLaren Automotive is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment in Woking, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide structured career development, generous benefits including enhanced pension schemes and flexible lifestyle options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion that fosters a supportive culture. Join our high-performing team and be part of a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Controls Manager in Woking
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like McLaren Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Controls Manager in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to McLaren Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with McLaren Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like McLaren Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
