Head of Engineering Launch

Working within the site leadership team of the McLaren Composites Technology Centre's based in Sheffield/Rotherham, reporting to the Plant Director, the Head of Engineering – Launch is accountable for the end-to-end introduction and industrialisation of new composites manufacturing technologies, CAPEX, manufacturing processes, materials and expertise across MCTC operations.

You will lead engineering from horizon (G-2) through to Start of Production (SOP), ensuring every new technology is delivered safely, to McLaren's quality and performance standards, on time and within approved budgets.

Responsibilities:

• Represent engineering launch function in programme and business governance forums.
• Lead, mentor and develop direct reports and a wider launch and industrialisation team to deliver composites manufacturing technology introductions and manufacturing transformations.
• Support the programme manager with governance and reporting mechanisms to track launch performance, key risks, issues and mitigation plans.
• Own cross-functional engineering activities to ensure programmes are delivered safely, on time, to quality and within approved budgets.
• Deliver manufacturing readiness from G-2 through to production handover, including readiness reviews, manufacturing planning and risk management for all new product introductions.
• Ensure facilities, equipment, people, processes and supply chains are prepared and validated to support manufacturing requirements.
• Provide strategic oversight of manufacturing feasibility studies, future capacity planning and production ramp-up activities.
• Accountable for introduction and industrialisation of CAPEX, new manufacturing processes, materials and technologies across all MCTC operations.
• Ensure robust Design Validation Assessment (DVA), Design for Manufacture (DfM), PFMEA, HPc and APQP activities are completed to manufacturing standards.
• Lead problem-solving and root cause analysis through development phases, using recognised methodologies (DMAIC, 7 tools of quality) and drive lessons learned and continuous improvement across launch and industrialisation activities.
• Proactively identify technical, operational and supply chain risks and implement mitigation and contingency plans.
• Own launch-related budgets, forecasts and capital expenditure proposals; ensure cost control and compliance from project initiation to completion.
• Lead costing modelling of new products and manufacturing processes to support business cases, capital planning and ongoing programme decisions.
• Ensure compliance with H&S regulations and foster a safe working environment for colleagues, contractors and visitors.

Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management
• Minimum 10 years in a manufacturing/production launch environment, with significant experience in composites manufacturing, or similar low-volume, high-value product manufacturing and industrialisation.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role responsible for complex product launches, cross-functional teams and manufacturing transformations.
• Proven track record of delivering full-scale, complex technology development programmes from horizon (G-2) through SOP and volume ramp-up to time, cost and quality targets.
• Hands-on experience with APQP, DVA, DfM, PFMEA, virtual builds, launch readiness reviews and capacity ramp planning.
• Demonstrable experience of CAPEX introduction and industrialisation of new processes, materials and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience in costing modelling of new products and preparing/managing capital proposals.
• Demonstrated performance in high-pressure, challenging environments and manage multiple stakeholders.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leader and team player: able to inspire, coach and develop teams while building effective cross-functional and supplier relationships.
• Highly motivated, resilient and assertive, with a pragmatic, process- and data-driven approach.
• Clear and effective communicator , able to present complex technical and commercial issues at all levels of the business.
• Logical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
• Results and delivery focused, with a passion for quality, customer excellence and continuous improvement.
• Trustworthy and collaborative , builds credibility quickly and acts with integrity under pressure.
• Safety-focused, with proactive solutions-driven approach.

Benefits:

• Structured career development framework
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holiday
• 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