McLaren Automotive Ltd
CMF & MSO Design Project Manager
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Experienced Project Manager - Colour, Materials and Finish (CMF)
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to manage the Colour, Materials and Finish (CMF) development and delivery process and MSO content across core vehicle programmes, and MSO special projects.
The role connects design, engineering, purchasing, quality, manufacturing and commercial teams to deliver distinctive performance luxury material, colour, trim and finish solutions from concept to production.
What You'll Do
- Manage CMF and MSO design projects from concept selection to production release and launch.
- Define scope, timings, risks, resources and approval routes for CMF, trim, paint, finish and bespoke content, including physical sampling.
- Coordinate design, engineering, quality, manufacturing, product and commercial stakeholders.
- Support design to deliver intent that aligns with brand direction, feasibility, craftsmanship, cost, quality and production requirements.
- Manage CMF documentation, samples, master references, and digital imagery.
- Present status, risks, decisions and recommendations clearly to senior stakeholders.
- Manage MSO work request process by triaging requests, scheduling and planning, coordinating project startups, creative reviews, sourcing, timing and approvals.
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What You'll Bring
Business Knowledge
- Experience in automotive OEM, luxury, low-volume, specialist vehicle, bespoke or premium product environments.
- Strong understanding of design gateways, studio processes, prototype phases, release timing and launch requirements.
- Awareness of CMF development, material selection, trim execution, paint, finishes, sustainability and personalisation.
Essential Functional / Technical Skills
- Degree in Design, Material Design, Product Design, Automotive Design, Engineering, Programme Management or equivalent experience.
- Project or programme management experience in automotive design, CMF, bespoke, luxury products, trim, materials or vehicle development.
- Able to manage complex design projects, stakeholders, suppliers, timing plans, risks and governance reporting.
- Working knowledge of CMF deliverables including colour and trim strategies, development and sampling process, material boards, specification packs and production sign-off.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and presentation skills, with the ability to translate creative intent into clear delivery plans.
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, KeyShot, VRED, CAD viewers, PLM or equivalent studio tools is desirable.
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Personal Attributes / Competencies
- Calm, structured and proactive in a fast-paced studio environment.
- Balances creative sensitivity with programme, cost and production realities.
- Strong appreciation of luxury materiality, colour, tactility, craftsmanship and customer personalisation.
- Confident managing ambiguity, risk, change and cross-functional dependencies.
- Discreet, flexible and customer-focused when supporting bespoke requests.
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