Job Title
Manufacturing Programme & Launch Manager
Ref #
59385
Date posted
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
Manufacturing
Department
Operations Management
Position level
4 - Management / Technical Expert (L-18)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
7:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Salary
N/A
What to Expect
The Manufacturing Programme Launch Manager plays a central role in leading, coordinating, and integrating the efforts of all Manufacturing functions to ensure successful deliverables during the Pre-Series phase. This role acts as the Manufacturing voice in programme governance forums, bridging the gap between Manufacturing and Vehicle Programme management.
What You'll Do
- Responsible for planning and managing current project within function from concept through launch, ensuring robust readiness at each programme milestone.
- Coordinate cross-functional core team including manufacturing engineering, logistics, quality, and launch to ensure successful manufacturing operations.
- Track and steer all function targets and requirements in alignment with Manufacturing Functions.
- Represent manufacturing in vehicle programme forums, report weekly status, and escalate critical issues to senior leadership.
- Prepare and evaluate function related content and ensures centralized reporting for vehicle line director.
- Manage readiness / progression of launch activities alongside Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure a seamless transition from Product Definition to full Series Production.
- Quality achievement - Ensuring that all new Projects meet McLaren’s high standards of quality and performance throughout the Launch phase
What You'll Bring
Business Knowledge:
- Understanding of how manufacturing decisions impact vehicle cost, timing, and business case viability.
- Understanding of programme financial structures (e.g. CapEx , Opex, cost per unit models, ROI).
- Knowledge of automotive programme governance, stage-gate systems, and cross-functional interdependencies.
Essential Functional / Technical Skills:
- Strong Programme/project management (Gantt, critical path, RAID logs, milestone tracking)
- Strong reporting, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills
- Risk and issue management with structured governance
- Proficient with digital project tools (e.g. MS Project, Power BI, SAP, PLM systems, AI tools.)
Personal Attributes / Competencies:
- Highly organised, structured, and delivery-focused
- Strong influencing skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Resilient under pressure; thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
- Proactive, solutions-driven, and decisive
- Excellent communicator with the ability to simplify complexity
- Collaborative team player who brings people together to resolve challenges
- Customer- and quality-focused mindset with a passion for launch excellence
- Ability to commute to McLaren Offices in Bicester and Woking.
What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:
- Structured career development framework
- 25 days’ holiday, plus
Manufacturing Programme & Launch 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.
