Launch Leader
Aston Martin Lagonda | Gaydon
Aston Martin is synonymous with luxury, performance and innovation. As we continue to develop and introduce world-class vehicles, we are seeking a highly motivated Launch Leader to join our New Model Launch team at Gaydon. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in bringing Aston Martin's future vehicle programmes from concept to production, ensuring new models are successfully introduced to the manufacturing environment and delivered to customers with the quality and craftsmanship expected of the brand.
The New Model Launch team is responsible for overseeing the introduction of new vehicles into an active production environment and ensuring each programme achieves the quality standards required for a successful Job 1 launch. Working at the centre of cross-functional activity, the Launch Leader will coordinate teams across Operations, Programme Management, Research and Development, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Production and Sales to deliver complex vehicle launch programmes on time and to target.
As a Launch Leader, you will be responsible for creating, maintaining and driving detailed build plans, ensuring all key programme milestones and handover targets are achieved. You will facilitate production readiness reviews and lead activities required to prepare vehicles for introduction into manufacturing. Acting as a key point of coordination, you will drive issue identification and resolution throughout pre-production and launch phases, ensuring concerns are addressed quickly and effectively.
The role requires strong leadership and problem-solving capabilities. You will lead cross-functional teams through complex technical and production-related challenges, coordinate problem-solving activities and develop effective recovery plans where required. By monitoring programme risks and supporting rapid issue escalation and resolution, you will help ensure successful vehicle launches and seamless integration into production operations.
You will regularly represent the New Model Launch function within programme reviews, gateway meetings, leadership forums and senior management updates. Confident communication and stakeholder engagement skills are therefore essential, as you will be expected to present programme status, key risks, critical actions and launch readiness updates to audiences ranging from operational teams through to senior business leaders.
This position offers significant exposure across the organisation, providing the opportunity to work closely with a broad range of departments including Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Programme Management, Research and Development, Marketing, Sales and Prototype Operations. Depending on programme scope and complexity, you may also have responsibility for managing project budgets worth several million pounds and providing leadership or guidance to coordinators, analysts or product coaches within the team.
To succeed in this role, you will have a strong understanding of automotive manufacturing, engineering and vehicle launch activities, together with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities within a fast-paced and highly visible environment. Previous experience within automotive production, programme management, manufacturing operations or vehicle development would be highly advantageous.
Candidates will demonstrate excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines while maintaining focus on programme objectives. You will be a natural relationship builder who can influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the business. The ability to work independently, make informed decisions and drive actions to completion will be essential.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint is required, alongside excellent communication, presentation and reporting skills. Experience leading meetings, facilitating discussions and coordinating cross-functional teams will be highly beneficial.
While not essential, an Engineering degree, Project Management qualification or equivalent professional experience would be advantageous and will support success within this position.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly visible and influential team at the forefront of Aston Martin's future product portfolio. If you are passionate about automotive innovation, thrive in a collaborative environment and want to play a key role in delivering the next generation of Aston Martin vehicles to customers around the world, we would love to hear from you.
Belong at Aston Martin
At Aston Martin, we believe that the stunning beauty, craftsmanship, and artistry that define our brand come from the diverse voices and talents of our extraordinary team. We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Your unique perspectives, shaped by your education, culture, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, abilities, and more, are what make us stronger and more innovative. We celebrate the richness of diversity and actively seek individuals who bring something new to the table.
If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to ensure that you can bring your best, in every way.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
The post holder will be required to comply with all policies and procedures issued by and on behalf of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
