At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate manufacturing efforts for successful project launches in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join McLaren, a leader in automotive innovation with a focus on quality and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automotive manufacturing and make a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and a passion for quality in fast-paced settings.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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 ensure 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).
- 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: 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday.
Manufacturing Programme Manager in Surrey employer: McLaren
At McLaren, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Manufacturing Programme Manager, you will be at the forefront of exciting automotive projects, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in our state-of-the-art facilities located in Bicester and Woking. Our comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and a commitment to quality and excellence, ensures that our employees are well-supported and motivated to achieve their best.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Programme Manager in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Manufacturing Programme Manager role. Keep it concise and focus on what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for their time.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Programme Manager in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Manufacturing Programme Manager. Highlight your experience in project management and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in manufacturing and project management that demonstrate your ability to lead and coordinate effectively.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially with digital project tools like MS Project or Power BI. We love seeing candidates who are proficient in these areas, as they’re crucial for the role. Make sure to mention any relevant certifications too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes and how they impact vehicle costs and timelines. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding of programme financial structures and governance.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with project management tools like Gantt charts and milestone tracking. Have a couple of success stories ready where you managed risks and issues effectively, as this will show your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder communication, practice simplifying complex information. Think about how you can present technical details in an easy-to-understand way, and be prepared to demonstrate your strong presentation skills during the interview.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your collaborative approach by sharing examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Emphasise your ability to bring people together to resolve challenges, as this is crucial for the Manufacturing Programme Manager role.
