General information

Job Title
Head of Exterior Design
Ref #
31704
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 Head of Exterior Design, you'll lead the Exterior aesthetic Design of breath-taking products that tell the visual story of their function. You will coach, develop & inspire all of our talented creative teams. You will also plan & prepare the team to perform at an optimal level. You will Build and maintain strong cross departmental partnerships and innovate and remove road blocks to great design.

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 Exterior Design Strategy across the creative team for multiple projects.
  • Design leadership. Senior presentations. Consult with manufacturing plants, suppliers, press.
  • 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.
  • Approve workloads. Manpower, timing of projects with Des’ Management Team. Pre G0, G0-G4.
  • Deliver ‘clean sheet’ concept & production ready design solutions compatible with concurrent engineering exercises to the McLaren Design Process (MDP) & program timing.
  • Reconcile design intent, quality & manufacturing feasibility with aerodynamics, engineering and commercial requirements.
  • Communicate progress and critical issues to the Design Director.
  • Conduct performance reviews for Design Managers and Principle Designers.
  • Attend program and engineering reviews as required and action next steps.
  • Attend design & surface reviews to direct & approve design solutions.
  • Talent acquisition.
  • Be a role model, live the values and communicate the design pillars to other departments.
  • Input into the improvement, efficiency and effectiveness of all methodologies and deliverables.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Education to Degree level minimum.
  • Excellent verbal, written and public speaking skills.
  • PC literate including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Excellent 2D sketching & 3D skills. (Photoshop, Clay, Alias is a plus).
  • Very good program timing skills.
  • Delivered multiple exterior and interior programs from G0 to G4.
  • Advanced Design & Product Strategy experience preferred.
  • Excellent leadership and coaching skills.
  • Excellent understanding of ergonomics, aerodynamic principles & legal requirements.
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.”

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