Composite Machining Manager

At McLaren Racing, we’re not just here to try to take the chequered flag. We’re here to excite our fans, inspire our people and deliver for our partners. And we’re also committed to evolving our sport, our industry, and our technology, too

Purpose of the Role:

As Composite Machining Manager, you will lead the composite machining team, overseeing pattern manufacture, insert and core machining, and composite component finishing. You will be responsible for driving throughput, optimising internal capacity, and making strategic make vs buy decisions to ensure delivery of high-quality components to the car. This role requires a leader with deep technical expertise, close attention to detail in all areas of working safely, work acceptance, delivery, continuous improvement, people leadership and development. Strong decision-making capability, and a passion for continuous improvement is also a necessary requirement.

Role Dimensions:

Reporting to the Director of Composite Manufacturing, it is your responsibility to oversee the efficient, timely and effective production of components – ensuring best throughput via optimised utilisation to deliver components to sub-contract companies or subsequent departments. You will work closely with Planning, Design, Procurement, and Production Engineering to maximise internal capability, reduce outsourcing costs, and ensure timely delivery of components. You will also support budget adherence and contribute to strategic planning for future capacity and capability growth.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Lead and manage the composite machining team, fostering a high-performance, safety-first culture.
• Own and drive make vs buy decisions for patterns, inserts, cores, and composite machining, using data to support cost and lead-time tradeoffs.
• Maximise in-house capacity and utilisation of composite machining equipment and tooling.
• Oversee the manufacture of composite patterns, composite components and inserts & cores, ensuring alignment with schedule and quality standards.
• Collaborate with Team Leaders to maintain and develop departmental and employee skills matrix, identifying training needs to support current and future demands.
• Conduct monthly 1-2-1s and regular team briefings to ensure alignment, engagement, and feedback.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve sustainability, and enhance throughput.
• Ensure Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM) schedules are followed, and equipment is maintained to peak performance.
• Monitor workshop loading and pending queues to maintain optimal flow and avoid bottlenecks.
• Support resolution of non-conformance issues, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Work with Planning and Procurement to align internal capacity with demand, flexing resources as needed.
• Champion data accuracy in booking systems to improve cost tracking and operational efficiency.
• Engage collaboratively with all leaders across production to help drive strategic reviews, safety initiatives and operational debriefs.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in composite machining, pattern manufacture, and insert/core production within motorsport, aerospace, or high-performance engineering.
• Strong understanding of make vs buy strategy and capacity planning.
• Skilled in managing high-precision, time-critical manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams.
• Knowledge of machining processes including CNC milling, trimming, and finishing of composite materials.
• Familiarity with MRP systems, data analysis tools, and quality management systems.
• Strong grasp of continuous improvement methodologies and lean manufacturing principles.
  
  
  

Personal Attributes:

• Enthusiastic people person, determined to encourage teamwork and provide solutions
• Highly self-motivated to set ambitious targets and high expectations for the team
• Leads by example; sets and manages expectations appropriately
• Seeks to understand challenges and thoughtfully provide resolution
• Always acts with integrity and loyalty to the team
• Confident, self-sufficient, and resilient
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Remains calm and can make level-headed decisions whilst under pressure
  
  
  

What McLaren can offer?

We constantly strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. Our ambition is to be the most pioneering and exhilarating racing team in the world, and our collective task is to set the standards for high performance in sport. We show up every day with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play our part.

We encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. We will actively promote a culture that values difference and eliminates discrimination in our workplace.

McLaren Racing is based at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) near Woking. Our state of the art, sustainable campus offers many facilities including a gym, restaurant and indoor and outdoor break-out areas, as well as direct access to park and common land. The MTC is connected to Woking mainline station via regular shuttle buses, from which London Waterloo is a 30 minute train ride.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including private healthcare, car schemes, life insurance and generous pension contributions.