What You’ll Do
Senior operational leader within Manufacturing Operations accountable for end-to-end Manufacturing Operations launch delivery across assigned vehicle programmes from virtual series gateways through pre‑series build phases, Start of Production (SOP), ramp‑up and stabilisation into series production, ensuring safe, controlled, cost‑effective and capable delivery of required quality, timing, volume, financial and customer outcomes. Works in close partnership with the Vehicle Line Director and leads a highly matrixed organisation around a single integrated launch plan. cope includes multiple concurrent programmes and model year activity, with circa seven direct reports.
Lead the integrated manufacturing launch strategy, plan and governance framework for the assigned vehicle line(s), ensuring all functions are aligned to outcomes, milestones, gateway decisions and readiness criteria.
- Ensure Manufacturing Operations deliverables are defined, owned, tracked and delivered to plan from virtual series gateways through pre‑series launch, SOP, ramp‑up and stabilisation into series production.
- Partner with the Vehicle Line Director, Launch Director, PMO and programme peers to ensure programme robustness, with clear visibility of Manufacturing Ops risks, dependencies, constraints and recovery actions.
- Establish clear plans, owners, milestones and recovery actions across virtual series, build‑phase and readiness activities; chair/lead launch forums as required.
- Deliver manufacturing readiness across facilities, equipment, tooling, process maturity, parts, people capability and workforce preparation.
- Lead readiness and execution through virtual series, trial builds, pilot builds, pre‑production and production validation to confirm capability for SOP.
- Drive capacity, constraints and resource planning to achieve stable ramp‑up to rate and output targets.
- Establish proactive risk and issue management; lead structured problem‑solving for launch?critical issues (root cause, corrective action, verification) and embed lessons learned.
- Ensure compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation, environmental regulations, company policies and relevant automotive standards; champion a strong safety culture.
- Lead launch quality and supplier readiness in partnership with Quality/Supply Chain/Purchasing (e.g., APQP completion, PPAP approval, Run@Rate, containment and recovery actions) to protect build events and SOP timing.
What You’ll Bring Essential
- Significant senior leadership experience in automotive manufacturing, industrialisation and production launch environments with accountability for cross‑functional delivery, operational performance and launch outcomes.
- Demonstrated success leading complex manufacturing launches through build phases, gateway governance, SOP and production ramp‑up within demanding quality, timing and cost constraints.
- Strong understanding of automotive programme governance, launch readiness methodologies and delivery through highly matrixed organisations.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, align competing priorities and drive delivery through both direct teams and wider indirect organisations without direct line authority.
- Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans and automotive quality systems; able to drive completion to plan.
- Strong structured problem‑solving capability (root cause, corrective action and verification) using recognised methodologies.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget ownership, forecasting, investment justification and cost control.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across all organisational levels.
- Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or Quality Management (or equivalent relevant experience), plus extensive automotive manufacturing and manufacturing launch delivery experience.
- Senior leadership experience appropriate to a Band 3 level.
No restraints. No limitations. We don't simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren 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. McLaren 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.
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
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Head of Manufacturing Launch employer: McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where every team member is empowered to contribute to high-performance outcomes. With a strong focus on employee development and growth, the company offers numerous opportunities for professional advancement while ensuring a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Located in a vibrant setting, McLaren Racing not only champions innovation in racing but also prioritises the well-being of its employees through various initiatives, making it a truly rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Launch
✨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 Racing, 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!
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 Racing 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 Racing
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with McLaren Racing, 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 Racing 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.
