At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative exterior design projects and shape future vehicle architecture.
- Company: Join McLaren, a leader in automotive design and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days' holiday, competitive salary, and a creative work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with top talent and drive design excellence at McLaren.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the luxury automotive industry with cutting-edge design.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in automotive exterior 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday, plus
Head of Advanced Exterior Design employer: McLaren
McLaren is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for the Head of Advanced Exterior Design to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, McLaren offers extensive opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a dynamic environment that values creativity and technical excellence. Located in a hub of automotive design, employees benefit from being at the forefront of industry trends while enjoying a competitive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and a focus on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Advanced Exterior Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend design events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role at McLaren.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to present your designs, do it with confidence and passion – let them see your unique vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay ahead of the game by keeping an eye on design trends and competitor activity. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also help you tailor your ideas to align with McLaren’s brand direction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Advanced Exterior Design
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 through design insight 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 in the past and share those experiences.
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
✨Know Your Design Vision
Before the interview, take some time to refine your design vision. Be ready to discuss how your innovative ideas align with McLaren’s brand direction and design ambition. Think about specific projects you've led that showcase your ability to create compelling exterior designs.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineering and other teams in past roles. Highlight instances where your design insight influenced technical development, as this will demonstrate your ability to balance creativity with feasibility.
✨Present with Confidence
Practice presenting your design proposals clearly and confidently. Use visual aids if possible, and be prepared to answer questions from senior stakeholders. This will show that you can communicate effectively and handle high-pressure situations.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Research current automotive design trends and competitor activity before your interview. Be ready to discuss how these insights could inform future McLaren products. This shows your proactive approach and deep awareness of the market, which is crucial for the role.
