Job Title
Ultimate Series Process Area Manager
Ref #
58551
Date posted
Monday, October 13, 2025
Country
United Kingdom
Location
Woking
Business area
Manufacturing
Department
New Model Launch
Position level
4
Working time
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Working pattern
7:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Salary
TBC
What to Expect

As the Ultimate Series Process Area Manager you will play a critical leadership role in overseeing multiple process areas dedicated to the production of McLaren’s Ultimate Series—vehicles built in exceptionally low volumes with uncompromising standards. You will lead a team of Process Leads, driving strategic initiatives that enhance operational performance, embed lean manufacturing principles, and foster a high-performance culture tailored to bespoke, precision-driven builds.

Your responsibilities will directly influence McLaren’s ability to meet its exclusive production targets, where quality and delivery are paramount. You’ll be instrumental in shaping process standardization, guiding strategic decision-making, and ensuring that all operational activities align with the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation in low volume manufacturing.

What You'll Do
  • Lead and motivate multiple teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across all process areas under your responsibility. 
  • Oversee process adherence, policy compliance, Health & Safety standards, and McLaren’s core values across multiple operational teams.
  • Conduct regular reviews and audits of process areas to ensure high standards of 5S, lean practices, and process adherence are maintained.
  • Establish a quality-driven culture with robust processes for continuous feedback to both operators and senior leadership, driving improvements across all operational areas.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise layouts and processes, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and quality are at the forefront. 
  • Develop and mentor Process Leads, enhancing skill sets through training, development programs, and maintaining accurate records in your skills matrix.
  • Work closely with the Head of department to manage headcount, ensure optimal staffing levels, and deliver operational goals within your areas of responsibility.
  • Lead key initiatives in process improvement, reducing waste, enhancing productivity, and ensuring consistent delivery of operational targets. Key Financial Measures
  • Managing Operational Headcount for all relevant areas within budget
  • Monitoring relevant budget and ensuring no overspend
  • Planning future budgets
  • Contribute to CapEx budgets by analysing operational needs and making recommendations on investments – supported by business cases. 
  • Continuous pro-active approach to reducing NCP (Non-Conformance) across the whole Operation 
What You'll Bring
Business Knowledge
  • Please refer to relevant RASIC for references to relevant departmental knowledge required.
Essential Functional / Technical Skills
  • Understanding of Lean methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, Kanban) and Six Sigma principles to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent quality.
  • Extensive experience in process optimisation, problem-solving, and change management in fast-paced environments (Ideally Automotive, manufacturing or supply chain)
  • Proven track record in leadership roles with strategic oversight and operational direction.
  • Proven ability to make sound and logical decisions.
  • Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines
  • Demonstratable ability to manage multiple Teams, providing both strategic leadership and operational direction.
  • Strong analytical skills to interpret KPI trends and develop actionable strategies to drive improvements.
Personal Attributes / Competencies
  • Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, challenge, and influence teams and stakeholders across multiple levels of the organisation.
  • Excellent communicator, skilled in leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration.
  • Strategic mindset, capable of translating high-level business objectives into actionable plans within the operational area.
  • Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • An individual who can demonstrate and embrace our McLaren behaviours and values.
  • Displays personal and professional integrity and accountability.
  • Experienced in risk management and implementing proactive measures to ensure process stability and safety.
  • Results-oriented, focused on delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and quality.
  • Skilled in motivating, coaching, and mentoring teams to achieve high performance, while managing conflicts and fostering a positive work environment.
  • Competent in coaching and mentoring teams, developing future leaders within the organisation.
  • Exceptional emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, allowing you to navigate and resolve conflicts, motivate teams, and foster collaboration across departments.
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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