Job Title
Head of Engineering Launch
Ref #
59305
Date posted
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Sheffield
Business area
Sheffield
Department
Sheffield
Position level
3 - Head of (L -20)
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
0800 to 1700 - Monday to Friday
Salary
N/A
What to Expect
Working within the site leadership team of the McLaren Composites Technology Centre’s based in Sheffield/Rotherham, reporting to the Plant Director. The Head of Engineering – Launch is accountable for the end-to-end introduction and industrialisation of new composites manufacturing technologies, CAPEX, manufacturing processes, materials and expertise across MCTC operations. You will lead engineering from horizon (G‑2) through to Start of Production (SOP), ensuring every new technology is delivered safely, to McLaren’s quality and performance standards, on time and within approved budgets. You will provide strategic direction and senior leadership for launch and industrialisation activities, working closely with Design, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Purchasing and external suppliers to ensure facilities, equipment, people, processes and supply chains are prepared to meet programme requirements, and drive continuous improvement, lessons learned and manufacturing transformations. 
What You'll Do
  • Represent engineering launch function in programme and business governance forums. 
  • Lead, mentor and develop direct reports and a wider launch and industrialisation team of to deliver composites manufacturing technology introductions and manufacturing transformations. 
  • Support the programme manager with governance and reporting mechanisms to track launch performance, key risks, issues and mitigation plans. 
  • Own cross functional engineering activities to ensure programmes are delivered safely, on time, to quality and within approved budgets. 
  • Deliver manufacturing readiness from G 2 through to production handover, including readiness reviews, manufacturing planning and risk management for all new product introductions. 
  • Ensure facilities, equipment, people, processes and supply chains are prepared and validated to support manufacturing requirements. 
  • Provide strategic oversight of manufacturing feasibility studies, future capacity planning and production ramp-up activities. 
  • Accountable for introduction and industrialisation of CAPEX, new manufacturing processes, materials and technologies across all MCTC operations. 
  • Ensure robust Design Validation Assessment (DVA), Design for Manufacture (DfM), PFMEA, HPc and APQP activities are completed to manufacturing standards. 
  • Lead problem solving and root cause analysis through development phases, using recognised methodologies (DMAIC, 7 tools of quality) and drive lessons learned and continuous improvement across launch and industrialisation activities. 
  • Proactively identify technical, operational and supply chain risks and implement mitigation and contingency plans. 
  • Own launch related budgets, forecasts and capital expenditure proposals; ensure cost control and compliance from project initiation to completion. 
  • Lead costing modelling of new products and manufacturing processes to support business cases, capital planning and ongoing programme decisions. 
  • Ensure compliance with H&S regulations and foster a safe working environment for colleagues, contractors and visitors. 
What You'll Bring


Education: 

Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management


Experience:

Minimum 10 years in a manufacturing/production launch environment, with significant experience in composites manufacturing, or similar low volume, high value product manufacturing and industrialisation.

At least 5 years in a senior leadership role responsible for complex product launches, cross functional teams and manufacturing transformations.

Proven track record of delivering full scale, complex technology development programmes from horizon (G 2) through SOP and volume ramp-up to time, cost and quality targets.

Hands on experience with APQP, DVA, DfM, PFMEA, virtual builds, launch readiness reviews and capacity ramp planning.

Demonstrable experience of CAPEX introduction and industrialisation of new processes, materials and manufacturing technologies.

Experience in costing modelling of new products and preparing/managing capital proposals.

Demonstrated performance in high pressure, challenging environments and manage multiple stakeholders.


Technical & process skills:

Strong technical experience in composites engineering and automation

Strong technical judgement, decision making at pace and ability to assess manufacturing feasibility.

Expertise in structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, 7 tools of quality) and practical application of SIPOC and other process improvement tools.

Competent in risk management, production data analysis and performance measurement.

Experience working with external suppliers and managing supplier readiness activities.


PERSONAL ATTRIBIUTES: 

 

Strong leader and team player: able to inspire, coach and develop teams while building effective cross‑functional and supplier relationships.

Highly motivated, resilient and assertive, with a pragmatic, process‑ and data‑driven approach.

Clear and effective communicator — able to present complex technical and commercial issues at all levels of the business.

Logical thinker with excellent problem‑solving skills and strong attention to detail.

Results and delivery focused, with a passion for quality, customer excellence and continuous improvement.

Trustworthy and collaborative — builds credibility quickly and acts with integrity under pressure.

Safety‑focused, with proactive solutions‑driven approach.


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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