Quality Manager - Validation & Inspection

McLaren Group; Knaphill; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured career development program

25 days' holiday + bank holidays

Enhanced company pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical option after 2 years

Job summary

McLaren Automotive in the United Kingdom seeks a Quality Manager - Validation & Inspection to lead end-to-end quality inspection across Body Assembly, Surface Finish, and General Assembly. You will guide the inspection team, drive best practices, and embed quality throughout manufacturing, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

You will manage Level Zero landscape, optimise resources, and partner with stakeholders to deliver reliable, high-quality products and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Significant experience in quality management within manufacturing, ideally automotive.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean, etc.).
• Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement and implementing best practices.
• Excellent communication skills across diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in data analysis and quality certification (ASQ CMQ/OE desirable).

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end quality inspection activities for Body Assembly, Surface Finish and General Assembly.
• Provide daily leadership, coaching, and direction to the inspection team.
• Lead development and continuous improvement of quality processes and standards.
• Identify opportunities to optimise processes, improve efficiency, productivity and product quality.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and drive quality metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical mindset

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Quality

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Six Sigma

Lean

ASQ CMQ/OE (desirable)

Job description

As Quality Manager - Validation & Inspection, you will lead the end-to-end quality inspection processes across Body Assembly, Surface Finish, General Assembly validation, and product functionality. You will provide daily leadership to the inspection team, ensuring McLaren's quality standards are upheld, continuously improved, and embedded throughout manufacturing. You will play a pivotal role in managing the Level Zero landscape, optimising resources, resolving issues efficiently, and driving a culture of continuous improvement. Your proactive approach will directly influence product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, while shaping the future of McLaren's manufacturing excellence.

What You'll Do

• Quality Inspection Management:Oversee all quality inspection activities across Body Assembly, Surface Finish, and General Assembly build the inspection team to ensure all products meet McLaren's quality standards and & Team DevelopmentProvide daily leadership, coaching, and direction to the inspection team.Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.Support training and professional development to enhance team capability.
• Process & Standards ImprovementLead the development, management, and continuous improvement of McLaren's quality processes and standards.Identify opportunities to optimise processes and improve efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
• Continuous Improvement CultureChampion continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing.Encourage innovation and empower team members to contribute ideas.Drive improvements in quality metrics and address areas requiring enhancement.
• Quality Metrics & PerformanceLead improvements in key quality
  indicators, monitoring performance and driving corrective and preventive actions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure sustained quality performance.
• Stakeholder EngagementWork closely with internal stakeholders to align quality objectives with business goals and customer quality issues collaboratively and drive improvements across departments.
• Level Zero Landscape ManagementEstablish and monitor KPIs to measure the effectiveness of Level Zero management.Track resolution times, resource utilisation, and impact on production quality to identify improvement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Significant experience in quality management within manufacturing, ideally automotive.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean, etc.).
• Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement and implementing best practices.
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and quality certification (e.g., ASQ CMQ/OE) desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Inquisitive mindset with a willingness to challenge and understand the 'why'.
• Proactive, driven, and eager to take ownership.
• Energetic and motivated to excel in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders.
• Confident decision-maker, comfortable recommending solutions.
• Flexible, adaptable,
  and responsive to business needs.
• Professional, credible ambassador of McLaren's brand values.
• Results-driven with a winning mentality.
• Self-starter with the initiative to make things happen with minimal supervision.

What We'll Do for You

• Structured career development framework25 days' holiday, plus bank holiday.
• Annual buy & sell up to five daysEnhanced company pension schemeDiscretionary annual bonus awardPrivate medical insurance and health cash planLife assurance benefitAbility 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 shoppingGenerous parental leave policiesA range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice

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.