Director of Manufacturing Launch

McLaren Group; Old Woking; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren Automotive in the United Kingdom seeks a Manufacturing Launch Director to lead the industrialisation and launch of new automotive programmes from pre-production to full-rate production. You will drive on-time launches, quality, safety compliance, and responsible budgeting while aligning with customer and business objectives.

In this role you will collaborate with Engineering, PMO, Vehicle Line Management, and Supply Chain to mitigate risk, assure production readiness, and foster a

Qualifications

• IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the programme across the launch lifecycle with robust governance and cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive Manufacturing Readiness and risk/issue management to ensure on-time delivery and quality targets.
• Maintain quality and compliance standards and promote a strong safety culture.
• Provide leadership to Launch Managers and programme teams, coaching and developing leaders.
• Monitor KPIs including SOP achievement, budget adherence, and OEE during launch.
• Champion continuous improvement and a high-performance, accountable culture.

Skills

Health & Safety

Job description

The Manufacturing Launch Director is responsible for leading the successful industrialisation and launch of new automotive programmes from Business Release and pre-production builds through to full-rate manufacturing. The role ensures that all new product introductions (NPI) are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards while meeting customer expectations and business objectives.Working cross-functionally with Engineering, PMO, Vehicle Line Management, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Finance, and Customer teams, the Manufacturing Launch Director provides strategic leadership throughout the launch lifecycle, mitigating risk and ensuring operational readiness for production.The Manufacturing Launch Director is responsible for promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with all UK Health & Safety legislation, environmental regulations, company policies, and automotive industry standards

What You'll Do

Programme LeadershipEnsure robust virtual series and gateway governance with Vehicle Line Director peers.Manufacturing ReadinessRisk & Issue ManagementQuality & ComplianceLeadershipLead, coach, and develop Launch Managers and programme teams.Create a high-performance, accountable culture focused on delivery and continuous improvement.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Successful Start of Production (SOP) achievementOn-time launch deliveryBudget adherenceCustomer launch scorecardsFirst Time Through (FTT) performanceScrap and rework levelsProduction ramp-up achievementOverall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) during launchCustomer warranty and quality performanceKey Financial Measures

What You'll Bring

Knowledge, skills & experience:Essential:Desirable:IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.

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.