Composite Laminating Team Leader

Arrow McLaren IndyCar; Woking; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren Racing is seeking a shift lead to manage a team of composite technologists on the laminating line, ensuring safety, delivery and quality. You will set the tone on the shop floor, drive performance and coordinate with Project Management to meet production priorities.

This role requires strong leadership in a fast-paced environment, with hands-on responsibility for data capture, route card completion and cross‑functional collaboration, while upholding COSHH and incident reporting standards.

Qualifications

• Strong experience within composite manufacturing, with a deep understanding of laminating technologies and techniques.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-performance production environment.
• Solid knowledge of quality assurance processes, including ply sign-off.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and extract accurate manufacturing data.
• Strong understanding of materials, tooling and production processes.
• Confident using manufacturing systems and Microsoft applications.
• Experience working cross-functionally to deliver against demanding timelines.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong organisational control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of composite technologists on shift, driving performance, throughput and quality.
• Own shift operations end-to-end, ensuring work is delivered safely, on time and to specification.
• Plan and coordinate work with Project Management to meet delivery targets and production priorities.
• Manage shop floor systems, including component tracking, data capture and route card completion.
• Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams to ensure smooth flow of components and information.
• Oversee health & safety compliance, including risk assessments, COSHH management and incident reporting.
• Run team briefings, communicate priorities, and ensure alignment across shifts.
• Monitor team attendance, manage holidays/absence, and maintain a high-performance culture.
• Support continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives within the laminating department.
• Act as the escalation point for shift issues, reporting into the Senior Manager, Composite Laminating.

Skills

Team leadership

Laminate technology

Quality assurance

Drawings interpretation

Manufacturing data

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Tools

MS Office

Job description

You’ll lead a high-performing composite laminating shift—owning safety, delivery and team performance. This is a role that demands strong leadership on the shop floor, ensuring work is executed efficiently, to the highest standards, and in line with production demands. You’ll set the tone for your team, creating a professional, focused environment where performance and accountability are non-negotiable.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage a team of skilled composite technologists on shift, driving performance, throughput and quality
• Own shift operations end-to-end, ensuring work is delivered safely, on time and to specification
• Plan and coordinate work with Project Management to meet delivery targets and production priorities
• Manage shop floor systems, including component tracking, data capture and route card completion
• Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams to ensure smooth flow of components and information
• Oversee health & safety compliance, including risk assessments, COSHH management and incident reporting
• Run team briefings, communicate priorities, and ensure alignment across shifts
• Monitor team attendance, manage holidays/absence, and maintain a high-performance culture
• Support continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives within the laminating department
• Act as the escalation point for shift issues, reporting into the Senior Manager, Composite Laminating

Company Description

At McLaren, our mission is to set the standard for high performance in sport. Everyone, in every part of the team, has a role to play. So if you want to test your ideas with the world watching... And measure your progress in milliseconds... And play your part in racing history... You belong here. High performance starts with you.

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience within composite manufacturing, with a deep understanding of laminating technologies and techniques
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-performance production environment
• Solid knowledge of quality assurance processes, including ply sign-off
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and extract accurate manufacturing data
• Strong understanding of materials, tooling and production processes
• Confident using manufacturing systems and Microsoft applications
• Experience working cross-functionally to deliver against demanding timelines
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong organisational control

Personal Attributes

• Leads by example and sets clear standards for performance and behaviour
• Confident, resilient and capable of making clear decisions under pressure
• Highly motivated, with ambitious expectations for both themselves and the team
• Strong communicator, able to engage and align people at all levels
• Approaches challenges head-on with a calm, considered mindset
• Acts with integrity, building trust and accountability across the team

Additional Information

Success in racing comes from bringing together talented people with different skills, perspectives and experiences. We're committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to deliver their best work.

Every role has the potential to drive high performance. You'll be part of a team united by a shared ambition to push boundaries and embody our racing mindset. We invest in our people through opportunities to develop and grow, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive. Alongside a range of wellbeing initiatives and development opportunities, we're committed to helping you build a rewarding career and make your mark at McLaren Racing.