McLaren

The Head of Launch at McLaren Automotive is responsible for overseeing the introduction of new content through to complete new vehicle models into production, ensuring that each launch is executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. This role involves meticulous planning and coordination across various departments, including design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. The Head of Launch must ensure that all aspects of the new model launch are aligned with McLaren’s high standards of quality and performance as laid out in development process governance. This includes managing timelines, budgets, and resources, as well as addressing any issues that arise during the launch process ensuring successful virtual builds, build phases, DVA, DfM, PFMEA, HpC completed to the standard manufacturing need so a seamless transition from Product Definition to series production is achieved.

In addition to project management, the Head of Launch plays a crucial role in driving innovation and continuous improvement within the manufacturing process. This involves the assessment and potential implementation of new manufacturing techniques and technologies, working jointly with the Head of Manufacturing Engineering to ultimately improve quality and efficiency. The Head of Launch must also focus on risk management, identifying potential challenges early and developing strategies to mitigate them. By fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration, the Head of Launch ensures that McLaren’s new vehicle models meet the company’s high standards and exceed customer expectations.

Part of the senior leadership team reporting to the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and New Model Launch, which steers decisions within McLaren Production Centre (MPC).

The purpose of the Head of Launch at McLaren is to oversee and manage the introduction of new content and vehicle models into production. This role is crucial for ensuring that new models are launched efficiently, on time, and within budget, while meeting McLaren’s high standards of quality and performance.

The Head of Launch is responsible for coordinating with various departments, including design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain, to ensure a seamless transition from Product Definition to Series Production. This involves meticulous planning, risk management, and problem-solving to address any issues that arise during the launch process. Additionally, the role focuses on optimising production processes, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies alongside The Head of Manufacturing Engineering.

Ultimately, the Head of Launch plays a vital role in maintaining McLaren’s reputation for innovation and excellence by ensuring that each new model repeatedly meets the company’s exacting standards and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Health & Safety (H&S) Standards: Adhere to safety regulations and ensure a safe working environment for employees is maintained. Prioritise safety protocols to protect employees, customers, visitors, and prevent accidents.

Project Management: Leading the planning, execution, and completion of launch projects in line with McLaren’s development process. This involves setting timelines, managing budgets, and ensuring that all project milestones are met.

Quality Management: Ensuring that all new models meet McLaren’s high standards of quality and performance. This involves overseeing quality control measures and addressing any defects or issues promptly. Applying SIPOC improvement tool at every stage to ensure quality by improving understanding of key elements and stakeholders.  Lead plant APQP activities, making sure everything aligns with the program timeline.

Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate typically 6 direct reports and approximately 50 staff to foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment. Build and develop competence and high-performing teams within the McLaren business.

Problem-Solving Leadership: Steer the Launch functions problem-solving landscape to ensure the team address challenges faced promptly and effectively. Facilitate root cause analysis and guide teams toward robust resolutions using recognised problem-solving methodology.

Process Risk Management: Drive Design Validation Assessment (DVA) and Design for Manufacture activities. Identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. This includes proactive problem-solving and contingency planning to ensure smooth production launches.

Strategy and Development / Transformation Leadership: Create and implement a best practice launch vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures. Ensure manufacturing launch strategies align with business objectives in terms of price, quality, and delivery targets. Evaluate challenges, mitigate risks, and develop opportunities. Contribute to overall business strategy and budget processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure a seamless transition from Product Definition to full Series Production. This includes coordinating efforts across various departments both internally and externally to manufacturing to address any issues that arise during the launch process.

Financial and Budget Management: Input and hold responsibility for launch related budgets. Prepare budget and forecasts and all capital expenditure proposals for manufacturing launch activities as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards. Manage the budget from identification to completion of projects.

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management or suitable industry experience.
• Minimum of 10yrs in manufacturing / production launch environment
• Experienced with low volume high-cost product manufacturing.
• Held a Senior Leadership position for at least 5yrs.
• Experienced in full scale complex product launches.
• Leading and managing cross-functional team in manufacturing environment providing guidance and support for project execution.
• Strong technical knowledge, to ensure correct decisions are made at the right time aligning with McLarens goals.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and resolve manufacturing & product issues.
• Monitoring production data, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.
• Experienced with programme / business governance and able to lead through them whilst developing others understand on what is required.
• Strong problem solver with expertise in DMAIC and the 7 tools of quality. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to analyse complex issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Experienced with challenging and high-pressure environments.