At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting vehicle launch activities and ensure top-notch supplier quality.
- Company: Join the iconic McLaren team, known for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and global exposure.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automotive excellence and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and extensive experience in automotive supplier quality.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
You will lead McLaren SQD's programme and launch activities for several vehicle programmes, acting as the SQD representative in gateway and sourcing nomination reviews, driving APQP & programme milestones, part maturity glide paths and nomination audit planning, and coordinating SQD input to commodity strategies.
You will also develop and manage an SQD launch organisation to provide hands-on build support to new model launches at our manufacturing locations, acting as the first point of contact for supplier quality build issues (D0–D3). The role is UK based and requires close cross-functional engagement with Purchasing, Product Development, Manufacturing and PMO to ensure supplier readiness and successful on-time launches.
- Represent SQD function in all gateway reviews and provide feedback on status of SQD against programme deliverables.
- Represent SQD function in all nomination approval reviews – Provide feedback to this forum on nomination audit results and progress.
- Provide forecast of nomination audit requirements based upon sourcing/nomination timelines.
- Collate SQD input into commodity strategy process and champion the SQD 'voice of the customer' in commodity strategy process.
- Collate and report SQD performance against gateway deliverables.
- Track APQP status and drive supplier and/or SQD, PD and logistics deliverable owners to complete deliverables on time and to correct quality.
- Track supplier status and risks to ensure that appropriate actions and escalation is in place to mitigate impact to program delivery.
- Govern development and adherence to part maturity glide paths for each build phase.
- Ensure visibility of latest programme timing and requirement is provided to Site SQD function.
- Develop nomination audit timing plans with 'Site SQD' engineers to ensure completion in line with completion SLAs.
- Provide feedback to PMO team during development of HLPs / programme milestones to ensure alignment with part maturity rules.
- Drive SQD QCR resolution during all new programme launches through championing high hurt issues.
- Provide visibility of status/progress of key QCR metrics to wide SQD team to drive on effective and efficient containment and problem resolution.
- Develop SQD launch processes and form a SQD launch organisation, which:
- Provides build support during pre-production builds and launch phase.
- Is initial point of contact for all supplier quality build concerns, leading problem solving process from D0-D3 for QCRs (build issues and MPA issues).
- Attends at all build meetings (start-ups/ wash-ups etc.) to provide feedback on issue resolution progress.
- Manages containments for issues on pre-series vehicles.
- Provides management of 3rd party service providers and supplier representatives for launch containment and inspection.
- Validates effectiveness of countermeasures/ product maturation at each build phase.
- Escalation/handover of issues to 'Site SQD' team once containment is implemented.
- Provide line management of a team of launch engineers to carry out above responsibilities.
- Form relationships and develop required interfaces/processes with internal and external stakeholders to provide visibility of programme and launch SQD readiness/performance KPIs.
- Develop revised/new programme and launch management processes and metrics to be used across performance and lifestyle vehicle programmes.
- Provides support and delegation of Head of Programmes and Governance when required.
- Language: Fluent in technical and conversational English (oral & written). Additional languages beneficial.
- People Management: Experience of managing a team of direct and/or matrix reports.
- Project Management: Experience at defining, implementing and managing vehicle / supplier launch plans.
- Education: Degree-level qualification or higher in a technical engineering discipline.
- Supplier Quality Expertise: Proven experience in an Automotive OEM Supplier Quality/Programme Management/Launch Management.
- Core Quality Tools: Strong working knowledge of PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, SPC, etc.
- Structured Problem Solving: Expert in 8D, DMAIC.
- Quality Management Systems: IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
- Engineering Standards: Advanced understanding of GD&T.
- Systems Competence: Proficient in Microsoft Office, SAP, and CAD visualisation tools (CATIA viewer).
- Coach and Guide: Able to coach and guide fellow members of the McLaren SQD team as well as members of supplier's organisations.
- Motivated and Professional: Highly driven team player who leads by example, acts with integrity, and can professionally represent a world-class automotive brand.
- Effective Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage confidently in either language across all levels internally and externally, including suppliers.
- Organised and Delivery-Focused: Well-structured and dependable, with a proven track record of delivering results on time in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
- Independent and Adaptable: Self-sufficient with the ability to prioritise workload, request support when needed, and thrive in dynamic, evolving start-up settings.
- Global Perspective: Experience working across global cultures; flexible in work patterns and willing to travel, including at short notice.
- Technically Qualified and Experienced: Degree-educated in a relevant discipline, with at least 10 years' experience in an automotive OEM.
- Supplier Quality Expertise: Significant previous experience in OEM Supplier Quality functions, including launching products into production and applying IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
- Problem Solving and Coaching Skills: Skilled in using, training, and coaching standard practical problem-solving tools.
- Strategic Thinker: Able to see the 'bigger picture' and willing to take on additional workload to support the development and implementation of new SQD processes and/or initiatives.
- Present a Clear Message: Able to create and deliver presentations which can explain and summarise complex topics succinctly to cross functional and/or senior audiences.
- Significant OEM Supplier Quality/SQD experience (minimum ~10 years), including launching products into production and applying IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
- Demonstrable track record of supplier quality ownership across the full lifecycle, from sourcing and industrialisation through series production.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as precision machining, casting, forging, assembly, injection moulding, carbon, painting etc.
- In-depth knowledge of automotive OEM manufacturing processes and associated supply chains.
- Proficient in analysing vehicle programme plans and associated supplier readiness requirements.
- Skilled in scenario planning to identify risks and define effective mitigation strategies as needed.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders within McLaren and/or supplier organisations to ensure correct prioritisation and focus.
- Knowledge of durability, efficiency, and performance validation processes/requirements (e.g. PV/DV/SRDC testing).
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.
SQD Programme & Launch Manager in Woking employer: McLaren
At McLaren, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a SQD Programme & Launch Manager based in Woking, you will benefit from structured career development opportunities, a generous benefits package including enhanced pension schemes and private medical insurance, and the chance to work with a world-class automotive brand. Our commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth makes McLaren a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SQD Programme & Launch Manager in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the automotive industry, especially those at McLaren. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching McLaren's recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our success. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since the SQD role involves a lot of structured problem-solving, brush up on tools like 8D and DMAIC. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the McLaren team.
We think you need these skills to ace SQD Programme & Launch Manager in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in supplier quality and programme management. We want to see how your skills align with the SQD role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:Since this role involves a lot of problem-solving, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled challenges in past positions. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren
✨Know Your SQD Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Supplier Quality Development (SQD) processes and how they relate to vehicle programmes. Brush up on key concepts like APQP, FMEA, and IATF16949 standards. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the terms but can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of your past project management experiences, especially those related to vehicle or supplier launches. Be ready to discuss how you defined, implemented, and managed launch plans, and how you tackled challenges along the way. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role requires cross-functional engagement, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to explain complex topics succinctly, as you might need to present to senior stakeholders or suppliers. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Expertise
Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've used structured problem-solving tools like 8D or DMAIC. Highlight how you identified risks, developed mitigation strategies, and resolved quality issues during launches. This will showcase your analytical skills and your proactive approach to challenges.
