Background
No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.
With innovation at the core of all we do, every challenge starts with the same question. How can we do it better? This restless spirit runs right through McLaren Automotive. And the search for perfection is evident in everything we do.
Purpose of Role
This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping to shape the future of McLaren Logistics during a period of rapid and exciting business growth. Reporting directly to the Head of Material Planning and Control you will form an important part of the Logistics Leadership Team.
You will be responsible for managing the Logistics Material Planning & Control function at McLaren Automotive. This encompasses the leadership, motivation and productivity of a team, the efficient management of supplier schedules which ensure optimum availability whilst minimising stock holding.
The aim is to develop and maintain a high performing team focused on efficiently and effectively delivering against our mission of ‘right part, right place, right time – every-time’.
Principal Accountabilities
Leadership – To lead, develop and motivate the Logistics Material Planning & Control Team ensuring that hybrid working principles are utilised to maximum effect.
Leadership – To ensure regular interaction and open communication with other members of the Logistics Team to actively drive a ‘one team’ culture.
Leadership – Represent Logistics Material Planning & Control in key management meetings.
Team Development – Ensure that recruitment, on-boarding, performance reviews and careers plans are consistently delivered across the team. Set out clear roles and responsibilities and ensure the team are appropriately empowered ‘to do the right thing’. Review employee feedback and develop action plans as appropriate.
Business Integration – Regularly and proactively interact with key stakeholders (e.g. Purchasing, Quality, Legal, Aftersales, MSO) within the wider business. Ensure that Material Planning & Control requirements are fully considered and clearly communicated.
Continual Improvement – Drive a culture of constant innovation and improvement. Challenge processes at every level. Propose clear recommendations to drive operational efficiency and manage delivery through to completion.
Issue Management – Act as a point of escalation, leading the effective resolution of line stops, systems and process constraints (schedule issues, supply constraints, contract discussions, freight issues, parts backorders). All instances to be reviewed via root cause analysis and rectification measures applied to prevent re-occurrence.
Parts Past Point of Fit (PPoF) – Lead efforts to ensure that parts are in stock and ready for point of fit to ensure that vehicle build is not disrupted supporting first time through target achievement.
Operational Management and Reporting – Ensure Material Planning & Control is underpinned by appropriate headcount, equipment and systems that offer the most efficient solution and are scalable for future business growth. Actively utilise reports and KPIs to support daily operations and management of the respective functional areas.
Financial Management – Review complex numerical data, identify key trends and develop clearly structured long-term projections for investment and operating cost.
Inventory Control - Ensure that inventory levels are realistic and cost effective - balancing availability with prudent cost control to achieve business cash flow targets and objectives. Proactively mitigating the risk of obsolescence and unproductive stock levels.
Material Planning Strategy – Propose and implement agreed long range strategic plans and business model for Material Planning based on future business plans. Ensure that the operation is well prepared and positioned for future challenges and growth.
Supplier Management – Ensure that suppliers are actively managed and monitored and fully understand Logistics requirements for the short, medium and long-term horizons. Act as point of escalation for Suppliers to understand challenges and opportunities. Oversee assessment of current performance vs. target and proactively drive requirement for business improvement plans where required.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Educated to Degree level.
- Extensive Supply Chain experience (ideally gained with an automotive manufacturer).
- Proven leader of teams and change-management.
- Proven ability to act under pressure with calmness, clarity of thought and decisive authority.
- Broad understanding of global distribution challenges (legislation etc).
- Proven ability to manage all aspects of complex supply chains from end to end.
- Experience in analysing and interpreting data.
- Proven communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Highly IT literate (Microsoft applications, SAP etc).
Personal Attributes
- Thrives in a fast paced, challenging and dynamic environment.
- Ability to think strategically whilst ensuring day to day operational objectives are met.
- Proactive approach to leadership and influencing.
- Passion for coaching and motivating people.
- Prepared to take responsibility and accountability.
- Exceptionally organized with high levels of self-motivation.
- A flexible approach to working hours and practice.
- Prepared to travel globally to suppliers as required.
- Ability to maintain the very highest levels of attention to detail even when under pressure.
- Approachable.
- Confident.
- Professional.
- Able to multi-task.
- Dynamic, with the ability to respond to challenging situations in an innovative manner.