Senior Supplier Quality Development; SQD Engineer

Position: Senior Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer
Job Title Senior Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer Location Woking We  are hiring 11x Senior SQD Engineers on a 24 month fixed term contract. Please note we will consider locations in Bicester & Woking.

Please see commodities below:3 x Body in White & Stampings2x Chassis1x Exteriors1x Interiors2x ICE Propulsion1x Electrical Propulsion1x Composites 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.

As a Senior Supplier Quality & Development Engineer, you will take ownership of suppliers within the commodity area, managing a global supply base for components in your area. You will manage these suppliers across the full lifecycle—from sourcing and industrialisation through to series production—ensuring launch success and ongoing performance in quality, delivery, and durability. Operating from the UK with a global remit, you will lead industrialisation activities, assess and guide supplier manufacturing processes, and build long-term capability within the area.
* Conduct thorough assessments of global supplier sites
* Ensure non-IATF
16949 suppliers achieve certification in line with nomination plans.
* Collaborate with Engineering and Purchasing to select and nominate capable suppliers that meet programme requirements for engines, transmissions, and ancillary systems
* Support and implement APQP for all new tooled or assembled powertrain parts, ensuring timely and robust completion of activities.
* Work with Engineering and suppliers to complete PPAPs (including performance and durability validation) according to commodity timing plans and track approvals against delivery milestones.
* Provide progress reporting to Purchasing and SQD Programme teams, covering APQP open issues, PPAP pedigree, and delivery forecasts.
* Manage non-PPAP part concessions to ensure a “Plan for Every Part” is in place for build support.
* Collaborate with Engineering and suppliers to refine product designs, focusing on feasibility for processes such as casting, machining, heat treatment, assembly, balancing, welding, hose manufacturing, pump assembly, and cooling system production.
* Ensure manufacturing processes achieve performance, durability, and reliability standards for high-performance automotive applications.
* Ensure powertrain suppliers meet programme launch, quality, and delivery targets.
* Manage supplier performance during series production to maintain PPAP compliance and address mechanical, thermal, and reliability concerns.
* Conduct annual supplier audits to verify continued compliance with McLaren standards and regulatory requirements.
* Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and quality metrics, ensuring sustained capability and delivery.
* Facilitate regular governance reviews with key suppliers to address risks, escalate issues, and drive continuous improvement.
* Identify critical suppliers and parts requiring cross-functional engagement and oversight.
* Implement risk mitigation strategies to prevent supply chain disruptions and ensure business continuity.
* Identify critical suppliers and parts requiring cross-functional engagement.
* Drive resolution of major open issues, ensuring supplier senior management is actively involved.
* Deliver quality and capacity verification in line with McLaren Development Process (MDP) targets.
* Develop and implement improvement strategies with suppliers to enhance performance and capability.
** Essential

Skills & Qualifications
*** Language:
Fluent in technical and conversational English (oral & written). Additional languages beneficial.

* Education:

Degree-level qualification or higher in a technical engineering discipline.
* Supplier Quality Expertise:
Proven experience in an Automotive OEM Supplier Quality/Quality Engineering role responsible for Interior Trim.
* Core Quality Tools:
Strong working knowledge of PPAP, MSA, APQP, FMEA, SPC, particularly in appearance and tactile…