General information

Job Title
Head of Advanced Design
Ref #
31706
Date
Friday, May 5, 2023
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
Design
Department
Design
Position level
C - Head of Department
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
9am - 6pm Monday to Friday

Description & Requirements

Background

No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.

With innovation at the core of all we do, every challenge starts with the same question. How can we do it better? This restless spirit runs right through McLaren Automotive. And the search for perfection is evident in everything we do.

Purpose of Role
As our new Head of Advanced Design, you will Create ‘clean sheet’ high impact designs for Advanced concept and production programs compatible with concurrent and future engineering exercises to the McLaren Design Process (MDP). You will Lead the Exterior and Interior Advanced Design of breath-taking products that tell the visual story of their function. You will also Coach, develop & inspire all creative teams. You will Plan & prepare the team to perform at an optimal level. You'll Build and maintain strong cross departmental partnerships and innovate and remove roadblocks to great design in partnership with partners in innovation.

“Design breath-taking products that tell the visual story of their function”.

Every last element of our exterior design is developed with one person in mind – the driver. It comes back to the very reason we do what we do, to create the most exhilarating driving experiences in the world.

It's an exciting time to join McLaren Automotive. With the release of Artura and the brand new launch of the 750S, Design is at the heart of what we do.
Principal Accountabilities
  • Lead the implementation of the Advanced Design Strategy across the creative team for multiple projects.
  • Coach the design statement, pillars & principles to create a strong future design identity.
  • Coach the McLaren way of thinking through brainstorming/concept development sessions.
  • Inspire and drive team to breakthrough solutions and fresh and new ideas
  • Approve workloads. Manpower, timing of projects with Des’ Management Team. Pre G-2 – G0
  • Deliver ‘clean sheet’ concept & production ready design solutions compatible with concurrent engineering exercises to the McLaren Design Process (MDP) & program timing.
  • Communicate Advanced strategy and agree with the Design Director on implementation.
  • Conduct performance reviews for advanced team members
  • Attend advanced program and engineering reviews as required and action next steps.
  • Talent acquisition, develop talent and recruit to keep advance design relevant and fresh.
  • Be a role model, live the values and communicate the design pillars to other departments.
  • Create high impact content for internal and senior presentations (2D & 3D).
  • Research, collate and create vision through multi media to highlight future trends.
  • Work cross functionally with sales and marketing and innovative groups to bring future designs to life.
  • Collaborate with Advanced Engineering teams to help realise McLaren future design portfolio and realise growth expansion and vision.
  • Attend advanced strategy meetings as and when required for the Advanced Design manager.
  • Input into the overall Design Strategy.
  • Be agile enough to help beyond advanced and into production where workload dictates to support the design function.
  • Input into the improvement, efficiency and effectiveness of all methodologies and deliverables.
  • Stay current with latest trends in automotive exterior and interior design as well as consumer electronics, product, fashion, architectural, and related design fields
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Strong strategic thought process and vision
  • Excellent verbal & written presentation skills.
  • Strong 2D sketching skills; digital and analogue.
  • Strong understanding of 3D (clay and/or digital).
  • PC literate. Photoshop, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Alias is a plus.
  • BS, BFA, MS, or MFA in transportation design.
  • Passion for automotive design.
  • Knowledge of current automotive design trends and technology.
  • Forward, innovative thinking for future vehicles.
  • Professional, motivated and pro-active working attitude.
  • Ability to show passion and dedication to learn and integrate into a modern flexible work schedule
  • Highly skilled in 2D/3D digital programs: Photoshop or equivalent.
Personal Attributes
  • “Keep a calm head, see the situation as a challenge not a threat.”
  • “Put the team first & represent those who have gone before and all those who will follow.”
  • “Find incremental ways to continually improve.”
  • “Sweep the sheds and give each other the benefit of the doubt.”
  • Be a role model, live the values and communicate the design pillars to other departments.

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