Manufacturing Programme Manager

The Manufacturing Programme Launch Manager plays a central role in leading, coordinating, and integrating the efforts of all Manufacturing functions to ensure successful deliverables during the Pre-Series phase.

This role acts as the Manufacturing voice in programme governance forums, bridging the gap between Manufacturing and Vehicle Programme management.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for planning and managing current projects within the function from concept through launch, ensuring robust readiness at each programme milestone.
• Coordinate cross-functional core teams including manufacturing engineering, logistics, quality, and launch to ensure successful manufacturing operations.
• Track and steer all function targets and requirements in alignment with Manufacturing Functions.
• Represent manufacturing in vehicle programme forums, report weekly status, and escalate critical issues to senior leadership.
• Prepare and evaluate function-related content and ensure centralized reporting for the vehicle line director.
• Manage readiness/progression of launch activities alongside Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure a seamless transition from Product Definition to full Series Production.
• Ensure that all new projects meet McLaren's high standards of quality and performance throughout the Launch phase.

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 that 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.