SQD Programme & Launch Manager

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.

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, part maturity glide paths 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 cross functional engagement with Purchasing, Product Development, Manufacturing and PMO to ensure supplier readiness and successful ontime launches.

Lead the Quality Journey from Programme Definition to Vehicle Launch

• Be 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.

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…