Director of Manufacturing Launch

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday and bank holidays

Enhanced pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

McLaren Automotive Ltd. seeks an accomplished Manufacturing Launch Director to oversee new automotive programme industrialisation from release through to full-rate production. You will lead cross‑functional teams, ensure on‑time delivery within budget, and uphold safety and quality standards in the UK.

You will coach Launch Managers, drive a high‑performance culture, and manage KPI outcomes such as SOP achievement, OEE during launch, and customer launch scores.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large cross-functional programmes or vehicle launches.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage complex programmes with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead Launch Managers and programme teams to deliver on schedule and budget.
• Govern and oversee launch governance with Vehicle Line Director peers.
• Drive safety culture and regulatory compliance across the launch lifecycle.

Job description

What to Expect

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 Leadership

• Ensure robust virtual series and gateway governance with Vehicle Line Director peers.

Leadership

• Lead, 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) achievement
• On-time launch delivery
• Budget adherence
• Customer launch scorecards
• First Time Through (FTT) performance
• Scrap and rework levels
• Production ramp-up achievement
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) during launch
• Customer warranty and quality performance

What You’ll Bring

Knowledge, skills & experience:

Desirable

• IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.

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.