McLaren is hiring: Head of Advanced Design

McLaren is hiring – As the new Head of Advanced Design, you will Create ‘clean sheet’ high-impact designs for Advanced concept and production programs compatible with concurrent and future engineering exercises to the McLaren Design Process (MDP). You will Lead the Exterior and Interior Advanced Design of breath-taking products that tell the visual story of their function. You will also Coach, develop & inspire all creative teams. You will Plan & prepare the team to perform at an optimal level. You’ll Build and maintain strong cross-departmental partnerships and innovate and remove roadblocks to great design in partnership with partners in innovation.

“Design breath-taking products that tell the visual story of their function”.

Every last element of our exterior design is developed with one person in mind – the driver. It comes back to the very reason we do what we do, to create the most exhilarating driving experiences in the world.

It’s an exciting time to join McLaren Automotive. With the release of Artura and the brand-new launch of the 750S, Design is at the heart of what we do.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Lead the implementation of the Advanced Design Strategy across the creative team for multiple projects.
• Coach the design statement, pillars & principles to create a strong future design identity.
• Coach the McLaren way of thinking through brainstorming/concept development sessions.
• Inspire and drive the team to breakthrough solutions and fresh and new ideas
• Approve workloads. Manpower and timing of projects with Des’ Management Team. Pre G-2 – G0
• Deliver ‘clean sheet’ concept & production-ready design solutions compatible with concurrent engineering exercises to the McLaren Design Process (MDP) & program timing.
• Communicate Advanced strategy and agree with the Design Director on implementation.
• Conduct performance reviews for advanced team members
• Attend advanced program and engineering reviews as required and action next steps.
• Talent acquisition, develop talent and recruit to keep advanced design relevant and fresh.
• Be a role model, live the values and communicate the design pillars to other departments.
• Create high-impact content for internal and senior presentations (2D & 3D).
• Research, collate and create a vision through multi-media to highlight future trends.
• Work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and innovative groups to bring future designs to life.
• Collaborate with Advanced Engineering teams to help realise McLaren’s future design portfolio, growth expansion, and vision.
• Attend advanced strategy meetings as and when required for the Advanced Design manager.
• Input into the overall Design Strategy.
• Be agile enough to help beyond advanced and into production where workload dictates to support the design function.
• Input into the improvement, efficiency and effectiveness of all methodologies and deliverables.
• Stay current with the latest trends in automotive exterior and interior design as well as consumer electronics, product, fashion, architectural, and related design fields

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Strong strategic thought process and vision
• Excellent verbal & written presentation skills.
• Strong 2D sketching skills, digital and analogue.
• Strong understanding of 3D (clay and/or digital).
• PC literate. Photoshop, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Alias is a plus.
• BS, BFA, MS, or MFA in transportation design.
• Passion for automotive design.
• Knowledge of current automotive design trends and technology.
• Forward, innovative thinking for future vehicles.
• Professional, motivated and proactive working attitude.
• Ability to show passion and dedication to learn and integrate into a modern, flexible work schedule
• Highly skilled in 2D/3D digital programs: Photoshop or equivalent.

Personal Attributes:

• “Keep a calm head; see the situation as a challenge, not a threat.”
• “Put the team first & represent those who have gone before and all those who will follow.”
• “Find incremental ways to improve continually.”
• “Sweep the sheds and give each other the benefit of the doubt.”
• Be a role model, live the values and communicate the design pillars to other departments.

Apply

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