At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier quality activities and drive continuous improvement in automotive interiors.
- Company: Join McLaren, a leader in performance automotive engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for coaching and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact on high-performance vehicles and develop your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Supplier Quality and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Job Title Senior SQD Engineer Interiors Automotive Ref #59033Date posted Thursday, April 30, 2026Country United Kingdom Location Woking Business area SQDDepartment Supplier Quality Assurance Position level5 - Supervisory / Professional
- (L-16)Working time Full Time Contract type Permanent Working pattern9am - 6pm Monday to Friday What to Expect At Mc Laren, exceptional vehicles start with exceptional supplier partnerships.
As a Senior SQD Engineer (Supplier Quality Development Engineer), you'll play a key role in ensuring our supply base is ready to deliver the quality, capability and performance required for every stage of the vehicle lifecycle.
Reporting to the SQA Manager, you'll lead supplier quality and development activities across your commodity area, supporting new product introduction, industrialisation and series production.
Working closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams, you'll help establish robust manufacturing processes, proactively manage risk and drive continuous improvement to ensure successful programme delivery.
Alongside your supplier-facing responsibilities, you'll contribute to the development of the wider SQD function through knowledge sharing, technical support and collaboration, helping Mc Laren continuously raise the standard of quality across its global supply base.
What You'll Do Lead supplier quality activities from sourcing and industrialisation through to launch and series production, ensuring quality, delivery, capacity and performance expectations are achieved across your supplier portfolio.
Drive APQP, PPAP, manufacturing feasibility and supplier readiness activities, helping suppliers establish robust and capable processes while proactively managing programme risk.
Partner with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Supplier teams to resolve complex quality concerns, lead structured problem-solving activities and deliver sustainable improvements.
Conduct supplier audits, process verification and capacity assessments to support successful new product introduction and stable series production.
Develop supplier capability through continuous improvement initiatives, driving best-in-class manufacturing standards and long-term performance improvements.
Lead departmental improvement activities, using data and KPI performance to identify opportunities, inform decision-making and enhance SQD ways of working.
Provide clear project status reporting and recommendations to senior stakeholders, ensuring risks, priorities and progress are understood and effectively managed.
Support and develop the wider SQD team through coaching, technical guidance and leadership support, acting as a trusted point of contact and providing cover during management absence when required.
What You'll Bring Extensive experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality or Quality Engineering within a complex automotive or advanced engineering environment, with strong expertise in interior commodities and supplier development.
Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, manufacturing feasibility, process audits and supplier development methodologies.
Experience leading supplier quality activities throughout new product introduction, industrialisation and series production.
Proven capability in structured problem solving, root cause analysis and driving effective corrective actions with suppliers.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems and supplier capacity planning.
Experience influencing and leading cross-functional stakeholders across technical and operational functions.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver concise updates and recommendations to senior audiences.
A collaborative leadership style with a passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decisions, prioritise actions and manage risk.
A proactive, resilient mindset and a relentless focus on delivering quality, performance and continuous improvement.
What We'll Do for You We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes: Structured career development framework25 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.
Senior SQD Engineer Interiors Automotive in Woking employer: McLaren Group
At McLaren, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and teamwork. Our Composite Laminating Shift Lead role not only provides competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth but also allows you to be part of a prestigious brand known for its commitment to high-performance and safety. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, you'll collaborate with talented professionals dedicated to excellence, making every day at McLaren a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SQD Engineer Interiors Automotive 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 Senior SQD Engineer Interiors Automotive 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.
