What to Expect
As a Process Area Lead supporting McLaren’s Ultimate Series, you’ll lead operational excellence in a low-volume, high-precision manufacturing environment where craftsmanship and quality are paramount. You’ll oversee multiple process areas, driving performance against tightly defined KPIs while embedding lean practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Your leadership will directly influence the delivery of McLaren’s most exclusive vehicles—often produced in single or low double-digit volumes per variant. You’ll play a key role in strategic decision-making, process standardisation, and team development, ensuring all operational activities align with McLaren’s core values and long-term goals for quality, delivery, and innovation.
What You'll Do
Lead and inspire cross-functional teams within McLaren’s Ultimate Series production environment, fostering a culture of precision, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across all low volume manufacturing process areas. Operational Oversight & Compliance Ensure strict adherence to McLaren’s manufacturing processes, Health & Safety standards, and core values. Champion lean methodologies and 5S principles through regular audits and process reviews, maintaining world-class standards in a high-performance, low-volume setting. Quality-Driven Culture Establish and reinforce a quality-first mindset, embedding robust feedback loops between operators and senior leadership. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that elevate build quality and reduce Non-Conformance (NCP) across bespoke and Ultimate Series operations. Process Innovation & Layout Optimization Collaborate with engineering, launch, and production planning teams to refine operational layouts and workflows. Prioritize safety, ergonomics, and build efficiency in the context of limited-run, high-specification vehicles. Team Development & Capability Building Mentor and develop Process Leads and Technicians, particularly those supporting Ultimate Series builds. Implement targeted training programs and maintain a dynamic skills matrix to ensure readiness for complex, low-volume production demands. Strategic Headcount & Budget Management Partner with department heads to manage staffing levels and budget allocations. Contribute to CapEx planning by identifying investment needs in tooling, technology, and infrastructure that support Ultimate Series production goals. Continuous Improvement & Waste Reduction Lead key initiatives aimed at reducing waste, enhancing productivity, and achieving consistent delivery of operational targets. Leverage insights from launch and motorsport teams to refine build processes for bespoke and Ultimate Series vehicles.
What You'll Bring
Business Knowledge Please refer to relevant RASIC for references to relevant departmental knowledge required. Essential Functional / Technical Skills Understanding of Lean methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, Kanban) and Six Sigma principles to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent quality.Extensive experience in process optimisation, problem-solving, and change management in fast-paced environments (Ideally Automotive, manufacturing or supply chain)Proven track record in leadership roles with strategic oversight and operational direction. Proven ability to make sound and logical decisions. Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines Demonstratable ability to manage multiple Teams, providing both strategic leadership and operational direction. Strong analytical skills to interpret KPI trends and develop actionable strategies to drive improvements. Personal Attributes / Competencies Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, challenge, and influence teams and stakeholders across multiple levels of the organisation.Excellent communicator, skilled in leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration. Strategic mindset, capable of translating high-level business objectives into actionable plans within the operational area.Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. An individual who can demonstrate and embrace our McLaren behaviours and values. Displays personal and professional integrity and accountability. Experienced in risk management and implementing proactive measures to ensure process stability and safety. Results-oriented, focused on delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and quality. Skilled in motivating, coaching, and mentoring teams to achieve high performance, while managing conflicts and fostering a positive work environment.Competent in coaching and mentoring teams, developing future leaders within the organisation. Exceptional emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, allowing you to navigate and resolve conflicts, motivate teams, and foster collaboration across departments.
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.
