SQD Manager - Electrical & HV Systems

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Company pension

Discretionary bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical after 2 years

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

McLaren Automotive is seeking a Supplier Quality Development Manager – Electrical Propulsion & HV Systems to lead quality across batteries, e-motors, inverters and HV wiring for hybrid propulsion. You will drive APQP/PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA and containment actions with a global supplier base.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive supplier quality, strong knowledge of ISO 26262, ASIL, and 8D problem solving, plus travel across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in supplier quality/quality engineering in automotive or high-performance sectors, with hybrid propulsion exposure.
• Knowledge of McLaren's multi-propulsion strategy and hybrid architectures.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and core quality tools.
• Experience with high-voltage battery systems, e-motors, inverters, or related components.
• Understanding of ISO 26262, ASIL ratings and functional safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive supplier quality performance for electrical propulsion and HV components.
• Lead APQP and PPAP activities with battery, motor, inverter and HV wiring suppliers.
• Establish robust quality gates from concept to series production for hybrid propulsion systems.
• Conduct DFMEA/PFMEA reviews with suppliers to mitigate risks in hybrid powertrain components.
• Lead containment and corrective actions for non-conforming parts to minimize production impact.
• Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and implement permanent corrective actions using 8D.
• Support early supplier involvement (ESI) for new hybrid programmes ensuring quality from concept to launch.
• Validate supplier readiness through Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and capability reviews.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

8D

Supplier Quality

ISO 26262

High Voltage Systems

Education

Degree in Engineering

Tools

IATF 16949

Job description

What to Expect

McLaren Automotive is redefining high-performance mobility through cutting-edge multi-propulsion technologies and advanced hybrid powertrains. As Supplier Quality Development Manager – Electrical Propulsion & High Voltage (HV) Systems, you will play a critical role in ensuring that our global supply base delivers world-class quality across advanced electrified and hybrid propulsion systems.

You will lead supplier quality strategy, development, and performance management across electrical propulsion components, including batteries, e-motors, inverters, and high-voltage architectures for our hybrid vehicles—ensuring alignment with McLaren's uncompromising standards for performance, reliability, and innovation.

High frequent travel required to supplier sites (UK, Europe, and globally)

What You'll Do

• Own and drive supplier quality performance for electrical propulsion and HV components supporting McLaren's hybrid and multi-propulsion vehicle programmes.
• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Parts Approval Process (PPAP) activities with suppliers of batteries, e-motors, inverters, power electronics, and HV wiring systems.
• Establish robust quality gates from concept through to series production for hybrid propulsion systems.
• Conduct Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) reviews with suppliers to mitigate risks in hybrid powertrain components.
• Lead containment and corrective actions for non-conforming parts, ensuring minimal impact on hybrid vehicle production schedules.
• Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and implement permanent corrective actions using 8D methodology
• Support early supplier involvement (ESI) for new hybrid and multi-propulsion programmes, ensuring quality is embedded from concept to launch.
• Validate supplier readiness through Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and capability reviews for HV battery and propulsion systems.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 26262 functional safety (FUSA) and Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) requirements for hybrid propulsion components.
• Monitor and report on supplier quality KPIs including PPM (Parts Per Million), FPV (Faults Per Vehicle), and First Time Through (FTT) rates for hybrid propulsion systems.
• Lead supplier development initiatives to improve capability, process stability, and quality performance in electrified and hybrid components.
• Facilitate audits and assessments using IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and McLaren-specific supplier quality standards.
• Work closely with Engineering, Purchasing, Programme Management, and Manufacturing teams to align supplier quality activities with hybrid vehicle development timelines.
• Support Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and Engineering Change Notifications (ECN) for hybrid propulsion components, ensuring quality impact assessments are completed.
• Act as the primary quality interface with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers of HV batteries, e-motors, inverters, and hybrid control systems.

What You'll Bring

Essential

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related discipline) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in supplier quality or quality engineering within automotive or high-performance sectors, with specific exposure to hybrid propulsion, electrified powertrains, or HV systems.
• Knowledge of McLaren's multi-propulsion strategy and hybrid vehicle architectures (PHEV,MHEV, HEV)
• OEM Supplier Quality Experience required
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and core quality tools.
• Experience with high-voltage battery systems, e-motors, inverters, or hybrid powertrain components.
• Understanding of ISO 26262, ASIL ratings, and functional safety requirements for hybrid vehicles.
• Proven track record in supplier development, problem-solving, and driving quality improvements in complex, multi-propulsion environments.

Desirable

• Familiarity with Battery Management Systems (BMS) Motor Control Units (MCU) , and Hybrid Control Units (HCU)
• Experience in low-volume, high-performance, or luxury automotive manufacturing.
• Awareness of McLaren Development Process (MDP) gateways and stage-gate disciplines for hybrid programmes.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification.

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.