Job Title
SQD Programme & Launch Manager
Ref #
58889
Date posted
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
SQD
Department
Supplier Quality Assurance
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 part of McLaren Automotive's continued growth and its multi-propulsion strategy, we are expanding our Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team. Strengthening the global SQD function will enhance collaboration with suppliers worldwide and reinforce the delivery of robust quality standards across both new and existing vehicle programmes.

 
What to Expect

You will lead McLaren SQD’s programme and launch activities for several vehicle programmes, acting as the SQD representative in gateway and sourcing nomination reviews, driving APQP & programme milestones, partmaturity glidepaths and nomination audit planning, and coordinating SQD input to commodity strategies.
You will also develop and manage an SQD launch organisation to provide handson build support to new model launches at our manufacturing locations, acting as the first point of contact for supplier quality build issues (D0–D3).
The role is UK based and requires close crossfunctional engagement with Purchasing, Product Development, Manufacturing and PMO to ensure supplier readiness and successful ontime launches. 
What You'll Do
Programme Management

 
  • Represent SQD function in all gateway reviews and provide feedback on status of SQD against programme deliverables
  • Represent SQD function in all nomination approval reviews – Provide feedback to this forum on nomination audit results and progress
  • Provide forecast of nomination audit requirements based upon sourcing/nomination timelines
  • Collate SQD input into commodity strategy process and champion the SQD ‘voice of the customer’ in commodity strategy process.
  • Collate and report SQD performance against gateway deliverables
  • Track APQP status and drive supplier and/or SQD, PD and logistics deliverable owners to complete deliverables on time and to correct quality.
  • Track supplier status and risks to ensure that appropriate activions and escalation is in place to mitigate impact to program delivery.
  • Govern development and adherence to part maturity glidepaths for each build phase
  • Ensure visibility of latest programme timing and requirement is provided to Site SQD function
  • Develop nomination audit timing plans with ‘Site SQD’ engineers to ensure completion in line with completion SLAs
  • Provide feedback to PMO team during development of HLPs / programme milestones to ensure alignment with part maturity rules
  • Drive SQD QCR resolution during all new programme launches through championing high hurt issues
  • Provide visibility of status/progress of key QCR metrics to wide SQD team to drive on effective and efficient containment and problem resolution.

Launch Management

  • Develop SQD launch processes and form a SQD launch organisation, which:
  • Provides build support during pre-production builds and launch phase
  • Is initial point of contact for all supplier quality build concerns, leading problem solving process from D0-D3 for QCRs (build issues and MPA issues)
  • Attends at all build meetings (start-ups/ wash-ups etc.) to provide feedback on issue resolution progress
  • Manages containments for issues on pre-series vehicles
  • Provides management of 3rd party service providers and supplier representatives for launch containment and inspection
  • Validates effectiveness of countermeasures/ product maturation at each build phase
  • Escalation/handover of issues to ‘Site SQD’ team once containment is implemented
  • Provide line management of a team of launch engineers to carry out above responsibilities
  • Form relationships and develops required interfaces/processes with internal and external stakeholder to provide visibility of programme and launch SQD readiness/performance KPIs
  • Develops revised/new programme and launch management processes and metrics to be used across performance and lifestyle vehicle programmes.
  • Provides support and delegation of Head of Programmes and Governance when required. 
What You'll Bring
What You'll Bring

  • Significant OEM Supplier Quality/SQD experience (minimum ~10 years), including launching products into production and applying IATF16949 and AIAG standards
  • Demonstrable track record of supplier quality ownership across the full lifecycle, from sourcing and industrialisation through series production
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as precision machining, casting, forging, assembly, injection moulding, carbon, painting etc.
  • In-depth knowledge of automotive OEM manufacturing processes and associated supply chains
  • Proficient in analysing vehicle programme plans and associated supplier readiness requirements
  • Skilled in scenario planning to identify risks and define effective mitigation strategies as needed.
  • Ability to influence senior stakeholders within McLaren and/or supplier organisations to ensure correct prioritisation and focus.
  • Knowledge of durability, efficiency, and performance validation processes/requirements (eg. PV/DV/SRDC testing)

Essential Skills & Qualifications

  • Language: Fluent in technical and conversational English (oral & written). Additional languages beneficial.
  • People Management: Experience of managing a team of direct and/or matrix reports
  • Project Management: Experience at defining, implementing and managing vehicle / supplier launch plans
  • Education: Degree-level qualification or higher in a technical engineering discipline.
  • Supplier Quality Expertise: Proven experience in an Automotive OEM Supplier Quality/Programme Management/Launch Management
  • Core Quality Tools: Strong working knowledge of PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, SPC,etc.
  • Structured Problem Solving: Expert in 8D, DMAIC.
  • Quality Management Systems: IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
  • Engineering Standards: Advanced understanding of GD&T
  • Systems Competence: Proficient in Microsoft Office, SAP, and CAD visualisation tools (CATIA viewer).

Personal Attributes / Competencies

  • Coach and Guide: Able to coach and guide fellow members of the McLaren SQD team as well as members of supplier’s organisations
  • Motivated and Professional: Highly driven team player who leads by example, acts with integrity, and can professionally represent a world-class automotive brand.
  • Effective Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage confidently in either language across all levels internally and externally, including suppliers.
  • Organised and Delivery-Focused: Well-structured and dependable, with a proven track record of delivering results on time in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
  • Independent and Adaptable: Self-sufficient with the ability to prioritise workload, request support when needed, and thrive in dynamic, evolving start-up settings.
  • Global Perspective: Experience working across global cultures; flexible in work patterns and willing to travel, including at short notice.
  • Technically Qualified and Experienced: Degree-educated in a relevant discipline, with at least 10 years’ experience in an automotive OEM.
  • Supplier Quality Expertise: Significant previous experience in OEM Supplier Quality functions, including launching products into production and applying IATF16949 and AIAG standards.
  • Problem Solving and Coaching Skills: Skilled in using, training, and coaching standard practical problem-solving tools
  • Strategic Thinker: Able to see the ‘bigger picture’ and willing to take on additional workload to support the development and implementation of new SQD processes and/or initiatives
  • Present a Clear Message: Able to create and deliver presentations which can explain and summarise complex topics succinctly to cross functional and/or senior audiences  
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. 

< Back to job list