Head Of Structures

McLaren; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Enhanced pension

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical option

Wellbeing programme

Parental leave

Job summary

McLaren Automotive is seeking a Head of Structures to lead the Body Structures team in Woking, driving design integrity, cross‑functional collaboration and strategy execution for multiple projects.

The role requires extensive experience in body structural design, leadership and program management, with a focus on quality, cost, timing, and risk management across the vehicle development process.

Qualifications

• High level technical knowledge of body structural components and systems.
• Experience leading teams across product life cycles in OEM or Tier 1 environments.
• Familiar with APQP, FMEA, DVP, PPAP processes.
• Strong ability to manage budgets, BOMs, and resource planning.
• Proven track record delivering on time with quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Body Structures team to meet performance, quality and life targets.
• Oversee BOM, cost, timing, and external resources to deliver projects.
• Drive design reviews and ensure compliance with IP, copyright and patent laws.
• Define technical roadmaps and resource plans for future components and systems.
• Present project status to senior stakeholders and external partners.

Skills

Body structures

Leadership

Project management

APQP/PPAP

FMEA/DVP/DFM

MS Office

Digital simulation tools

Education

Engineering Degree

Leadership training

Tools

Simulation tools

Job description

Head Of StructuresRef #59451Date postedTuesday, September 15, 2026CountryUnited KingdomLocationWokingBusiness areaProduct DevelopmentDepartmentPD - DE&B - BIWPosition level3 - Head of (L -20)Working timeFull TimeContract typePermanentWorking pattern9am - 6pm Monday to FridaySalary.What to Expect• Reporting to the Body Director, to build and lead Body Structures including all option parts to deliver all responsible components, sub-systems and systems on all projects, meeting or exceeding all targets, KPIs and milestones defined within MDP• As part of the Body Engineering Leadership Team promote, implement and support a simultaneous approach to vehicle development cross functionally with internal and external partners.What You'll Do• Manage, Build, lead and develop the Body Structures team with particular emphasis on: -• Design and engineering integrity to exceed Performance, Quality including Perceived Quality, and Vehicle Life targets• Meeting BOM and Invest targets, including piece cost, outsourced labour, tooling and D & D investment• Project Timing deadlines are met at every step of the digital and physical stage of all projects• Right First Time Design utilising predictive analysis and digital simulation tools either internally or using external partners• Manage and facilitate the definition of future component and system technical strategies and associated technical roadmaps, including where required additional resource, both internal and external including funding.• Lead the technical assessment, integration and application of new and existing technologies on new project and where appropriate existing series vehicles• Through effective Design reviews ensure there are no breach of local and international Copyright, Design and Patent Acts.• Identify and register any new technology where there is opportunity for Patents and Copyright before communication outside of the business• Responsible for engineering resource task allocation/prioritisation, recruitment, appraisal and performance management of the Body Exterior Team• Preparation and presentation of material to support external and internal project reviews, including to Internal Customers, VLDs, other Directors and the Executive• Support the vehicle and project attribute owners with respect to development and reporting.• Lead the Body Structures Team in the management and delivery of component and sub-system BOM, specifications, FMEAs, DVP, DFA and DFM and, also cost, timing and quality targets.• Establish and control design release in line with ETRS requirements• Guarantee delivery of Body Structures responsibilities for all projects in line with MDP (McLaren Development Process) and that Project Management KPIs are in control and on track for each Gateway.• Lead the team in the execution and evaluation of results of component testing and to support all associated vehicle development, testing, manufacturing, launch & planning activities• Identify and evaluate risk in terms of project delivery and brand image in the market, including but not limited in terms of cost, quality and timing but to deliver zero warranty and potential liability issues in the field.• Manage the efficient and effective use of physical and financial resources to support activities and achieve the overall business plan• Maximise your performance and development as an individual and a leader / manager as well as that of the individuals within your team.• Set SMART goals and objectives, short and long term for individuals and the team• Lead by example and promote effective leadership within the Body Structures Team, directing, coaching, supporting and delegating as appropriate to ensure ownership and motivation within the team, and within the whole-Body Engineering Group• Ensure the quality of the individual engineering teams in terms of leadership, continuous development of the team in terms of capability and capacity• Promote and implement Individual and Career Development Plans for all levels of the Body Structures Team, including succession and recruitment planning• Manage activities to ensure to ensure a working environment that is heathy, safe and productive• Manage and lead ethically and without prejudice or discrimination, accounting for diversity of individuals, customers and markets. And promote best management practices within the Teams, the Function Group, Body Engineering and across the business, internally and externally, reporting any breaches or misconduct.What You'll Bring• A high level of technical knowledge & experience of Body Structural component, system design, development, manufacturing and testing including series application• PC literate and at ease with MS Office• Previous Managerial experience working in OEM or tier one supplier with whole product life cycle, resource (headcount, material and budget) planning experience (min. 3 years)• Component & system design within an APQP or similar framework including FMEA, DVP, component planning and PPAPQualifications and Training:• Engineering Degree 2:1 minimum or equivalent relevant training and experience• Management or Leadership Training (MEP or equivalent)What We'll Do for YouWe 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 adviceWho 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.