At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and governance for supplier quality at McLaren.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and flexible lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality strategies in a dynamic automotive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier quality management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 68231 £ per year.
The Head of Strategy, Performance and Governance leads the strategic planning, performance measurement, and governance framework for McLaren's Supplier Quality Development function. This role ensures that SQD activities are aligned with business objectives, strategically focused, data-driven, and continuously improving.
The Head of Strategy, Performance and Governance translates McLaren's quality ambitions and business priorities into actionable SQD strategies, measurable performance indicators, and robust governance mechanisms. This role provides the analytical insight, strategic direction, and process discipline required to manage supplier quality effectively across multiple programmes, commodities, and supplier partnerships.
The position requires strong analytical capability, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams through evidence-based insights and clear governance frameworks.
What You'll Do
- Strategic Planning and Direction
- Define and communicate SQD's strategic direction in alignment with McLaren's business objectives, product portfolio, and quality targets.
- Develop long-range strategic plans for supplier quality management, including capability development, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify emerging quality risks, technology trends, and market opportunities that influence supplier quality strategy.
- Translate business priorities into SQD resource allocation, capability development, and investment decisions.
- Support Executive Committee (EXCO) and senior stakeholders with strategic supplier quality intelligence and recommendations.
- KPI Framework and Performance Management
- Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive KPI framework for SQD activities across suppliers, commodities, and programmes to enable visibility of supplier and departmental performance.
- Develop improvements to existing supplier quality metrics and define new methodologies.
- Establish targets, thresholds, and escalation mechanisms for quality performance indicators.
- Provide regular performance reporting, trend analysis, and insight to SQD leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Drive data integrity, system accuracy, and reporting consistency across SQD metrics and tools.
- Governance and Process Management
- Establish and maintain governance frameworks for supplier quality activities, including decision rights, escalation processes, and compliance mechanisms.
- Define and document SQD processes, standards, work instructions, and quality procedures aligned to McLaren’s wider business processes and Quality Management System (QMS).
- Lead the implementation of governance forums, quality reviews, and decision-making structures (e.g., Supplier Quality Reviews, SQD Steering Committees).
- Ensure compliance with IATF16949, ISO standards and McLaren's Supplier Quality Manual (SQM) and implement industry best practices where appropriate.
- Support internal and external audit readiness, quality certifications, and regulatory compliance activities.
- Data Analytics and Insight Generation
- Lead data analytics initiatives to identify quality trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities across the supply base.
- Develop dashboards, visualizations, and reporting tools to provide data driven and actionable insights to SQD teams and stakeholders on core SQD activities (e.g. APQP, PPAP, PSWs etc).
- Conduct risk assessments, scenario planning, and predictive analytics to anticipate supplier quality challenges.
- Identify and quantify the business impact of supplier quality issues.
- Supplier Performance and Capability Development
- Define supplier performance scorecards, rating methodologies, and capability assessment frameworks.
- Identify supplier capability gaps and recommend interventions, training, or development programmes.
- Support supplier selection, nomination, and industrialization processes with supplier quality strategy input.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Product Development, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Programme Management teams to align SQD strategy with business needs.
- Represent SQD in strategic forums, transformational initiatives etc.
- Influence stakeholders through clear communication, evidence-based analysis, and strategic recommendations.
- Support integration of supplier quality intelligence into wider business case development, programme planning, and supplier relationship management.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation
- Champion continuous improvement methodologies within SQD.
- Identify opportunities to enhance SQD processes, tools, systems, and capabilities.
- Benchmark against industry best practices and introduce innovative approaches to supplier quality management with McLaren.
- Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement within SQD teams.
- Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, develop, and inspire direct team members and those within the wider SQD department.
- Set clear expectations, priorities, and standards for delivery, quality, and collaboration.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development support to team members.
- Foster a collaborative, data-driven, and performance-oriented team environment.
Key Accountabilities
- Delivery of SQD strategic plans aligned with McLaren's business objectives and quality targets.
- Effective design and implementation of KPI frameworks and performance measurement systems.
- Strong governance frameworks that enable robust decision-making, compliance, and risk management.
- Provision of actionable quality insights and data analytics to SQD leadership and stakeholders.
- Contribution to McLaren's supplier quality performance, product quality, and competitiveness.
- Leadership and development of a high-performing team.
What You'll Bring
- Required Experience
- Experience of operating in a transformational leadership and/or an internal or external consultancy role.
- Experience in supplier quality management, quality assurance, or quality engineering within the automotive industry, ideally within premium, luxury, or performance brands.
- Proven experience leading strategy, performance management, or governance functions in complex automotive environments.
- Understanding of supplier quality methodologies including APQP, PPAP, supplier performance measurement (series and NPI).
- Experience developing KPI frameworks, performance dashboards, and data analytics capabilities.
- Track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving continuous improvement through strategic insight.
- Technical and Professional Skills
- Excellent strategic thinking and analytical capability.
- Strong understanding of automotive supplier quality standards, IATF16949 and industry best practices.
- High-level data analytics skills, including visualization, trend analysis, and predictive modelling.
- Good understanding of product development processes, supply chain management, and manufacturing operations.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear insights and strategic recommendations via visual and oral presentations.
- Proficiency in quality management systems, data analytics tools, and reporting platforms.
- Excellent presentation storyboarding & development to allow for impactful delivery to C-suite/Exec level audiences.
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.
Who Are We?
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.
Head of Strategy, KPI and Governance in Woking employer: McLaren
McLaren Automotive is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Woking that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide structured career growth opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance and quality in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy, KPI and Governance in Woking
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like McLaren!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Strategy, KPI and Governance position at McLaren via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy, KPI and Governance in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at McLaren.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to McLaren’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to McLaren. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at McLaren. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to McLaren.
