Job Title
Clay Modelling Manager
Ref #
59230
Date posted
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Bicester
Business area
Design
Department
Design
Position level
4 - Management / Technical Expert (L-18)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
What to Expect
As a Clay Model Manager at a prestigious automotive OEM, you lead the physical manifestation of design visions, bridging the gap between digital data and tangible reality. You are responsible for the Clay modelling people and function within the Design Modelling department, ensuring the production of world-class clay models for internal reviews at departmental, board and Executive levels.
What You'll Do
Core Responsibilities

• World-Class Clay Model Production: Oversee the end-to-end development of full-scale (1:1) and scale clay models for exterior and interior projects.
• Process Development: Lead the evolution of "hybrid" design workflows, integrating Digital (CAS/CAD) and Physical (Clay/Hard Modelling) processes.
• Operational Leadership: Manage related supplies, resource planning, and project timelines to meet critical design milestones.
• Digital Integration: Supervise the use of Kolb milling, 3D scanning, and CNC equipment to translate digital data into precise physical forms and vice versa.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with Lead Designers, Studio Engineers, and Digital Sculptors to ensure design intent is achieved while maintaining technical feasibility.
• Team Mentorship: Guide and develop a team of Lead and senior clay modellers, fostering high standards in craftsmanship and surface finishing.

Technical Skills & Expertise
• Clay & Hard Modelling: Expert knowledge of armature construction, clay application, manual sculpting, Hard parts creation techniques and Model dress requirements for Board level reviews.
• Advanced Equipment: Proficiency in managing CMM studio milling machines and related scanning equipment.
• Digital Literacy: High-level understanding of CAD/CAS data (e.g., Alias, Catia) to coordinate data-driven milling and scanning loops.
• Health & Safety: Manage deployment of McLaren policies to ensure a safe working environment for the teams and visiting Design people.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
• Compliance Leadership: Manage deployment of McLaren policies to ensure a safe working environment for the teams and visiting Design people.
• Risk Management: Manage the physical demands of clay application (e.g., heated clay handling and repetitive manual tasks) in line with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards.
• Studio Housekeeping: Maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety standards within the modelling plates and workshop areas.
What You'll Bring
Experience: 

  • Extensive experience in an automotive OEM design studio, with proven experience in all aspects of Clay Sculpting to a high level and leadership 
  • of modelling teams.
  • Degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent professional experience
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. 

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