SQD Governance Senior Engineer

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced company pension

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical option after two years

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

McLaren Automotive is seeking a SQD Process & Governance Senior Engineer to shape supplier quality governance and drive digital innovation across the business. You will partner with Procurement, Engineering and Manufacturing to enhance how supplier quality is managed on current programs and future launches.

The role centers on creating scalable processes, embedding governance, and delivering cross-functional improvements that increase accountability and performance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in supplier quality, governance and transformation within automotive/manufacturing.
• Track record leading cross-functional improvement programs and delivering change.
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949, APQP and PPAP requirements.
• Experience driving digital transformation, automation and data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation and standardisation of SQD processes with a scalable framework.
• Embed governance structures to drive accountability, visibility and performance.
• Champion digital initiatives using automation, AI and new technologies.
• Collaborate with procurement, engineering, manufacturing and quality to align priorities.
• Act as the trusted SQD governance contact with clear reporting and escalation.

Skills

Supplier quality

Process governance

Business transformation

Operational excellence

IATF 16949

APQP/PPAP

Digital transformation

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

APQP

Job description

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Supplier Quality at McLaren Automotive. As the SQD Process & Governance Senior Engineer, you'll play a key role in transforming how the SQD function operates, creating consistent ways of working, improving governance and driving digital innovation across the business.

Working closely with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality teams, you'll influence how supplier quality is managed across both current vehicle programmes and future launches. You'll be at the centre of strategic initiatives that improve efficiency, accountability and supplier performance while helping the organisation embrace new technologies and smarter ways of working.

What You'll Do

• Lead the transformation and standardisation of SQD processes, creating a clear, scalable framework that supports the future needs of the business.
• Develop and embed governance structures that drive accountability, visibility and performance across supplier quality activities.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives, identifying opportunities to leverage automation, AI and new technologies to improve efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities, manage risks and ensure successful delivery across series production and new model programmes.
• Act as the trusted point of contact for SQD governance, providing clear reporting, escalation management and progress tracking to senior stakeholders.

What You'll Bring

• Demonstratable experience in supplier quality, process governance, business transformation or operational excellence within automotive or advanced manufacturing environments.
• A proven track record of leading cross-functional improvement programmes and delivering lasting change across complex organisations.
• Excellent understanding of supplier quality methodologies, quality management systems and industry standards such as IATF 16949, APQP and PPAP.
• Experience driving digital improvement initiatives, with an interest in automation, data-driven decision making and emerging technologies.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and project leadership skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels of the organisation.

What We'll Do for You

We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:

• 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.