Senior Operations Manager - MSO

McLaren Automotive; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Company pension

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical option

Discounted shopping

Parental leave

Job summary

McLaren Automotive Limited is seeking a Senior Operations Manager for MSO to lead logistics and launch readiness. You will manage end-to-end supply chain, develop strategies, and drive performance in a low-volume, high-complexity environment with a focus on bespoke and heritage commissions.

You will build supplier partnerships, oversee inventory targets, and coordinate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to meet launch milestones and cost targets.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (minimum 10 years) within the Automotive sector, ideally senior operations leadership roles within bespoke or low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in end-to-end logistics management and launch management.
• Experience in defining and delivery of the department strategic plan including monitoring of KPI’s.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a robust logistics and new model launch operations strategy in line with MSO and McLaren goals.
• Promote high performance through KPI setting, continuous improvement and staff development.
• Oversee demand planning for Bespoke, Heritage and Special Commission projects to ensure on-time parts for production and customers.
• Monitor inbound/outbound flow of material and achieve inventory targets.
• Create and implement best-practice logistics and launch readiness principles to improve performance.
• Lead weekly MSO production readiness forum and report performance to senior leadership.
• Coordinate cross-functionally to define strategic sourcing and optimize supply chain routing.

Skills

Logistics leadership

Launch management

Demand planning

Lean & Six Sigma

Data-driven decisions

MRP & analytics

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job TitleSenior Operations Manager - MSORef #59603Date postedTuesday, October 27, 2026CountryUnited KingdomLocationWokingBusiness areaMcLaren Special OperationsDepartmentOperationsPosition level4 - Management / Technical Expert (L-18)Working timeFull TimeContract typePermanentWorking pattern9am - 6pm Monday to FridayWhat to ExpectMcLaren Special Operations (MSO) is a dedicated division of McLaren Automotive that takes ownership even further through offering personalisation & bespoke commissions. With dedicated individuals our aim is to create vehicles to a customer’s individual tastes. McLaren Special Operations provide everything from bespoke personalisation options through to building ultra-exclusive limited edition or one-off breath-taking models.Reporting to the Director of McLaren Special Operations, the role of the Senior Operations Manager is to lead the Logistics Operations and New Model Launch Operations team which consists of approximately 10 people. The role is responsible for all aspects of inbound and outbound logistics, stores management and new model launch readiness to ensure successful manufacture and delivery of MSO’s bespoke, heritage and private commission programmes. This role oversees end-to-end manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program delivery functions within a low-volume, high-complexity environment.What You'll Do* Define and execute a robust logistics and new model launch operations strategy in line with both MSO and the wider McLaren business goals* Promote and enhance a high performing team through setting clear KPI’s, deployment of continuous improvement workstreams and supporting individual personal development whilst fostering a culture of accountability and innovation* Demonstrate strong leadership skills, whilst ensuring all team members have the required skills set to perform their daily duties, supporting individuals in achieving their development goals through training and mentoring.* Oversee and drive effective demand planning for Bespoke, Heritage and Special Commission projects ensuring on time part supply for production and customers requirements both within MSO and MPC* Monitor inbound and outbound flow of material, ensuring best practises adopted within the warehouse operation including achieving inventory targets* Create and implement best practice logistics and launch readiness principles, policies and processes to improve operational and financial performance* Promote best in class quality and delivery throughout production, ensuring each MSO customer vehicle meets the highest standards of craftsmanship* Ensure the required logistics and new model launch infrastructure e.g. packaging, stillages, equipment is in place to support long term planning/scalability of bespoke, heritage and private commissions* Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships and logistics provider relationships to ensure service-level excellence* Coordinate with central production planning teams to confirm upcoming MSO production load plans, including confirmation of completed MSO production cars* Ensure all operation issues, including department downtime is investigated and countermeasures are implemented to eliminate repeat offenders* Coordinate cross-functionally to define the strategic sourcing plan for parts, driving an optimal supply chain routing to support cost and delivery targets* Responsible for leading the weekly MSO production readiness forum outlining production performance, supplier performance/risks and new model launch readiness* Reporting of MSO production performance to both the MSO Director and Operation Directors across the company, whilst demonstrating continuous improvement initiatives* Lead cross-functional alignment across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams to ensure all launch milestones are met Identify and mitigate risks associated with component delivery, supply continuity and new model launch timing* Ensure the logistics and new model launch deliverables have been met in accordance to McLaren MDP program* Own the logistics budget, ensuring cost efficiency across all functional areas, including reporting of budget performance monthly e.g. Inventory* Ensure the required health, safety and environmental protocols are in place, including adherence to policies ensuring the safety of all persons on site.What You'll Bring* Extensive experience (minimum 10 years) within the Automotive sector, ideally senior operations leadership roles within bespoke or low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment* Proven expertise in end-to-end logistics management and launch management* Experience in defining and delivery of the department strategic plan including monitoring of KPI’s* Strong track record of strategic leadership and team development* Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma* Strong data-driven decision-making capabilities* Familiarity with MRP systems and manufacturing analytics platforms.* Familiarity with transport regulations, incoterms, and international trade compliance* Strategic visionary who is ambitious and results driven* Effective and confident communicator, building strong relationships both internally and externally* Decisive under pressure with ability to work to tight deadlines and ability to apply problem solving techniques when required* Excellent verbal & written commination skills, with ability to communicate with stakeholders, both internally and externally* Collaborative leader who can build, develop and promote a high performing team* A team player with good communication skills and the ability to multi-task and operate effectively in a fast paced, ever-changing environment* Strong attention to detail with proven analytical skills* Passion for craftmanship* Flexible approach to working hours* Maintain Company Confidentiality at all timesWhat 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.