Manufacturing Programme & Launch Manager

McLaren Automotive · Woking · onsite The Manufacturing Programme & Launch Manager leads and is accountable for Manufacturing delivery across a major vehicle programme or portfolio of significant launch activity, from concept through full Series Production. The role owns programme direction, governance and readiness outcomes for Manufacturing, makes consequential decisions within delegated authority, balances cost, timing, quality and resource priorities, and provides senior cross-functional leadership to protect programme and business objectives. Responsibilities: Lead and be accountable for delivery of Manufacturing activities, critical Gateways and launch readiness across a major vehicle programme. Set the Manufacturing programme strategy, priorities and integrated delivery plan, translating business and vehicle programme objectives into clear functional commitments. Own the Manufacturing programme status, decision and escalation process, ensuring red or amber items have an agreed owner, recovery plan and appropriate approval before submission. Make significant decisions within delegated authority on priorities, recovery plans, timing and delivery, making business recommendations. Act as the senior Manufacturing voice in vehicle programme and governance forums, influencing PMO, Engineering, Product, Design, and key partners. Chair Launch Readiness Review and OK to Load review, and ensure decisions are based on robust evidence covering cost, timing, quality, resource, risk and operational readiness. Oversee Manufacturing change control and assess the cumulative impact of product, process and timing changes on launch readiness. Ensure Manufacturing Gateway and OK to Load criteria are achieved, with unresolved risks transparently escalated and formally accepted at the appropriate authority level. Be accountable for the effectiveness of launch planning and execution through the transition from Product Definition to stable Series Production. Develop programme capability, governance standards and repeatable ways of working across Manufacturing, applying lessons learned across programmes and launch activity. Provide leadership, coaching and direction to Programme Leads and senior functional representatives, strengthening accountability and cross-functional delivery. Requirements: Understanding of how manufacturing decisions impact vehicle cost, timing, and business case viability. Understanding of programme financial structures (e.g. CapEx, Opex, cost per unit models, ROI). Knowledge of automotive programme governance, stage-gate systems, and cross-functional interdependencies. Strong Programme/project management (Gantt, critical path, RAID logs, milestone tracking) Strong reporting, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills Risk and issue management with structured governance Proficient with digital project tools (e.g. MS Project, Power BI, SAP, PLM systems, AI tools.) Highly organised, structured, and delivery-focused Strong influencing skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders Resilient under pressure; thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments Proactive, solutions-driven, and decisive Excellent communicator with the ability to simplify complexity Collaborative team player who brings people together to resolve challenges Customer- and quality-focused mindset with a passion for launch excellence Benefits: 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