SQD Programme & Launch Manager
Added 30 Aug · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£74,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1139 (75% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £74,700, and McLaren Automotive Ltd is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2482 (Quality assurance and regulatory professionals, Quality assurance focus is central, but programme leadership dominates) or SOC 2127 (Engineering project managers and project engineers, Engineering project management of vehicle programmes and launches). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
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 Launch
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 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.
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.
- 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 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.
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:
- Structured career development framework
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
- 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
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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with McLaren Automotive Ltd, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 1139 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~128k in sampleP25 £57kP75 £104k
£44kmedian £80kgoing rate £75k£129k
Similar sponsored roles
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Browse more sponsored jobs at McLaren Automotive LtdAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. McLaren Automotive Ltd holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1139 going rate of £74,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.