Clay Modelling Manager

As a Clay Model Manager at a prestigious automotive OEM, you lead the physical manifestation of design visions, bridging the gap between digital data and tangible reality. You are responsible for the Clay modelling people and function within the Design Modelling department, ensuring the production of world‑class clay models for internal reviews at departmental, board and Executive levels.

What You’ll Do

• World‑Class Clay Model Production: Oversee the end‑to‑end development of full‑scale (1:1) and scale clay models for exterior and interior projects.
• Process Development: Lead the evolution of “hybrid” design workflows, integrating Digital (CAS/CAD) and Physical (Clay/Hard Modelling) processes.
• Operational Leadership: Manage related supplies, resource planning, and project timelines to meet critical design milestones.
• Digital Integration: Supervise the use of Kolb milling, 3D scanning, and CNC equipment to translate digital data into precise physical forms and vice versa.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with Lead Designers, Studio Engineers, and Digital Sculptors to ensure design intent is achieved while maintaining technical feasibility.
• Team Mentorship: Guide and develop a team of Lead and senior clay modellers, fostering high standards in craftsmanship and surface finishing.

Technical Skills & Expertise

• Clay & Hard Modelling: Expert knowledge of armature construction, clay application, manual sculpting, hard parts creation techniques and model dress requirements for Board level reviews.
• Advanced Equipment: Proficiency in managing CMM studio milling machines and related scanning equipment.
• Digital Literacy: High‑level understanding of CAD/CAS data (e.g., Alias, Catia) to coordinate data‑driven milling and scanning loops.
• Health & Safety: Manage deployment of McLaren policies to ensure a safe working environment for the teams and visiting Design people.

Health & Safety

• Compliance Leadership: Manage deployment of McLaren policies to ensure a safe working environment for the teams and visiting Design people.
• Risk Management: Manage the physical demands of clay application (e.g., heated clay handling and repetitive manual tasks) in line with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards.
• Studio Housekeeping: Maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety standards within the modelling plates and workshop areas.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Compliance Leadership: Manage deployment of McLaren policies to ensure a safe working environment for the teams and visiting Design people.
• Risk Management: Manage the physical demands of clay application (e.g., heated clay handling and repetitive manual tasks) in line with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards.
• Studio Housekeeping: Maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety standards within the modelling plates and workshop areas.

What You’ll Bring

• Extensive experience in an automotive OEM design studio, with proven experience in all aspects of Clay Sculpting to a high level and leadership of modelling teams.
• Degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent professional experience.

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