SQD Programme & Launch Manager

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 Lead the Quality Journey from Programme Definition to Vehicle LaunchBe the SQD lead within programme gateway reviews, providing clear updates on supplier quality readiness, key risks and overall programme status.Represent the SQD function in supplier nomination approval reviews, ensuring sourcing decisions are supported by robust audit outcomes and supplier capability assessments.Work closely with Purchasing and Programme teams to forecast supplier audit requirements and ensure the right activities are completed at the right time.Champion the SQD voice throughout commodity strategy discussions, helping shape sourcing decisions that deliver quality, performance and programme success.Drive APQP execution across suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring critical deliverables are completed on time and to the required standard.Monitor supplier readiness, identify emerging risks early and lead effective escalation plans to protect programme timing and vehicle launch targets.Own the governance of part maturity throughout every build phase, ensuring suppliers and engineering teams remain aligned to programme expectations.Partner with Site SQD Engineers to develop nomination audit plans and ensure supplier assessments are completed in line with agreed timelines.Provide quality input into programme planning activities, helping to ensure milestones and maturity targets are realistic, achievable and aligned.Lead the resolution of significant supplier quality concerns during vehicle development, bringing cross-functional teams together to drive rapid containment, corrective action and long-term fixes.Track and communicate key quality metrics, giving stakeholders clear visibility of progress, risks and areas requiring support. What You'll Bring You'll bring the technical credibility, quality leadership and programme mindset needed to influence suppliers, challenge the status quo and help deliver world-class vehicles. Whether it's driving supplier readiness, managing programme risk or leading complex quality discussions, you'll know what good looks like and how to bring others with you.Extensive Supplier Quality or SQD experience within an automotive OEM environment, with a proven track record of supporting new vehicle programmes from sourcing through to successful production launch.A strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, AIAG methodologies and automotive quality tools, with the ability to apply them pragmatically to solve real programme and supplier challenges.Experience taking ownership of supplier quality across the full product lifecycle, from early supplier nomination and industrialisation through to series production and ongoing performance management.A broad understanding of manufacturing processes and technologies, including machining, casting, forging, assembly, injection moulding, composites, painting and finishing operations.Deep knowledge of automotive supply chains and manufacturing environments, with an appreciation of how supplier performance directly influences programme delivery, product quality and customer satisfaction.Confidence reviewing vehicle programme plans and translating them into practical supplier readiness activities, ensuring quality risks are understood and managed before they impact delivery.A proactive approach to risk management, with the ability to anticipate issues, develop contingency plans and drive effective mitigation strategies across cross-functional teams.Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, capable of building credibility and driving action with senior leaders, engineering teams and supplier organisations alike.An understanding of vehicle validation and testing activities, including durability, performance and product verification requirements, and how supplier quality supports successful outcomes.A passion for delivering quality at every stage of the vehicle lifecycle, combined with the resilience, curiosity and attention to detail needed to thrive in a fast-paced automotive environment.Essential Skills & Qualifications Extensive experience within an Automotive OEM Supplier Quality, Programmes or Launch environment, with a proven track record of successfully delivering new products from sourcing through to production launch.The technical credibility and quality expertise to operate confidently across complex vehicle programmes, influencing decisions and driving the right outcomes for both McLaren and our supplier network.Strong working knowledge of automotive quality methodologies including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA and SPC, with the ability to apply them effectively in fast-paced development and production environments.Proven experience developing, implementing and managing supplier and vehicle launch plans, ensuring quality, timing and programme objectives remain aligned.A deep understanding of structured problem-solving techniques such as 8D and DMAIC, using data-driven approaches to identify root causes and deliver sustainable solutions.Excellent knowledge of IATF 16949 and AIAG standards, with practical experience applying these principles across supplier development, industrialisation and production activities.Advanced understanding of GD&T and its application within automotive product development, manufacturing and supplier quality management.Strong technical foundation supported by a degree, or equivalent qualification, in an engineering or related technical discipline.Experience leading and developing teams, either through direct management or within a matrix organisation, creating an environment where people can perform at their best.Confident using business and engineering systems including Microsoft Office, SAP and CAD visualisation tools such as CATIA Viewer.Fluent in written and spoken English, with additional language capabilities considered an advantage when working across our global supplier base.Personal Attributes & CompetenciesA natural coach and mentor who enjoys developing others, whether that's supporting fellow SQD engineers or helping suppliers strengthen their own quality capability.A collaborative leader who builds trust quickly, leads by example and represents McLaren with professionalism, credibility and integrity at every level.An effective communicator who can confidently engage with engineers, programme teams, senior leaders and suppliers, adapting their message to suit the audience.Highly organised and delivery-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-moving environment.Comfortable operating independently, taking ownership of challenges and knowing when to engage others to achieve the best outcome.Resilient and adaptable, with the flexibility to thrive in an environment where priorities can shift rapidly as programmes evolve.Experienced working across international teams and supplier networks, with an appreciation for different cultures, working practices and business environments.A recognised expert in supplier quality, bringing significant OEM experience and a strong understanding of what it takes to deliver successful vehicle programmes.Passionate about problem solving, with the ability to coach, train and guide others in the practical application of quality and continuous improvement tools.Able to balance attention to detail with a broader strategic view, understanding how individual decisions can influence programme success, business performance and customer satisfaction.Confident presenting to technical and non-technical audiences alike, bringing clarity to complex topics and helping stakeholders make informed decisions. What We'll Do for You We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:Structured career development framework25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five daysEnhanced company pension schemeDiscretionary annual bonus awardPrivate medical insurance and health cash planLife assurance benefitAbility to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ serviceBenefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shoppingGenerous parental leave policiesA 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.