Architecture Manager, Exteriors

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Bicester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday and buy/sell up to 5

Enhanced pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

McLaren Automotive Ltd. is seeking a senior Exterior Architecture Lead to drive development and integration of exterior vehicle architecture across programs. You will coordinate design, engineering, manufacturing and suppliers to deliver innovative exterior solutions that meet performance, cost and timing targets.

The role requires strong CAD/PLM expertise, leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration. You will engage with design, purchasing and manufacturing teams, ensuring robust integration

Qualifications

• Experience in exterior systems design and integration.
• Proficiency with CATIA, NX and PLM tools for cross‑functional programs.
• Understanding of engineering standards and CAE validation methods.
• Strong problem‑solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage the exterior architecture strategy across vehicle programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver exterior systems including body panels, closures, glazing, sealing, and exterior trim.
• Ensure robust integration of exterior components with lighting, aerodynamics, and crash structures.
• Ensure underbody integration with engine, EDU's, exhaust, battery, and chassis systems.
• Drive resolution of technical issues and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Manage supplier engagement and support sourcing decisions for exterior components; support validation activities.
• Monitor and report program status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in exterior architecture design and processes.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development lifecycle.
• Familiarity with global regulatory requirements affecting exterior systems.
• Knowledge of cost drivers and manufacturing processes for exterior components.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including design, purchasing, and manufacturing.

Skills

CAD tools

Exterior design

CAE tools

Engineering standards

Leadership

Communication

Tools

CATIA

NX

PLM systems

Job description

To lead the development and integration of exterior vehicle architecture systems, ensuring alignment with overall vehicle targets including performance, quality, cost, and timing. The role acts as a key interface between design, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver innovative and feasible exterior solutions that meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements. What You'll Do HRR-ADV-01

• Define and manage the exterior architecture strategy across vehicle programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver exterior systems including body panels, closures, glazing, sealing, and exterior trim.
• Ensure robust integration of exterior components with adjacent systems (e.g., lighting, aerodynamics, crash structures).
• Ensure the underbody is also integrated (eg, engine, EDU's, exhaust, battery, chassis systems)
• Drive resolution of technical issues and ensure compliance with safety, legal, and environmental standards.
• Manage supplier engagement and support sourcing decisions for exterior components. Support virtual and physical validation activities including CAD reviews, simulations, and prototype builds.
• Monitor and report program status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in exterior architecture design and processes.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development lifecycle.
• Familiarity with global regulatory requirements affecting exterior systems.
• Knowledge of cost drivers and manufacturing processes for exterior components.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including design, purchasing, and manufacturing.

Essential Functional / Technical Skills:

• Proficient in CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX) and PLM systems.
• Deep knowledge of exterior systems design, materials, and integration.
• Understanding of CAE tools and physical validation methods.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and specifications.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.

Personal Attributes / Competencies:

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about automotive innovation and customer experience.

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