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.

• Responsible for planning and managing current project within function from concept through launch, ensuring robust readiness at each programme milestone.
• Coordinate cross-functional core team 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 elevate critical issues to senior leadership.
• Prepare and evaluate function related content and ensures centralized reporting for 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.
• Quality achievement - Ensuring that all new Projects meet McLaren’s high standards of quality and performance throughout the Launch phase

Business Knowledge:

• Understanding of how manufacturing decisions impact vehicle cost, timing, and business case viability.
• Understanding of programme financial structures (e.g. Cap Ex , 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