Launch Manager Tier 1 Automotive Industry

Summary

The Launch Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all manufacturing plant activities related to the successful launch of new and current automotive programs within a Tier 1 supplier environment. Serving as the primary technical interface between the plant program management and customer teams this role ensures product launches meet quality cost delivery and timing requirements. The Launch Manager oversees APQP activities tooling and capital investments launch budgets engineering changes and cross-functional plant readiness from pre-production through launch stabilization.

Responsibilities

Act as the technical liaison between the manufacturing plant program management and customer teams.

Maintain accountability for all assembly plant activities related to new program launches and ongoing model changes.

Coordinate cross-functional efforts to achieve program deliverables and ensure on-time successful launches.

Lead plant launch buildout meetings open-issue reviews and readiness assessments; drive actions to closure and escalate issues as needed.

Lead plant APQP activities and ensure alignment with internal and customer-specific requirements.

Oversee product and process validation including part capability studies trial builds and production readiness reviews.

Develop plant quality specification sheets defining part quality requirements and acceptance standards.

Develop and validate packaging specifications to support safe efficient delivery to customers.

Initiate and manage program commitments including tooling capital equipment and launch-related investments.

Track and verify tooling development installation and readiness to support program timelines.

Lead launch budget planning tracking and reporting for tooling equipment and capital expenditures.

Support material costing bill-of-material (BOM) creation and financial validation for new and current programs.

Provide daily leadership and direction to Plant Departments (Materials Manufacturing Engineering Quality IT and Production) regarding: Build timing and launch schedules Product configurations Component and supplier readiness

Develop and coordinate sample and prototype manufacturing schedules with plant scheduling and engineering teams.

Coordinate and manage outsourced production activities and vendor support related to launch programs.

Own the Change Implementation Process for new and current model programs.

Understand communicate and lead plant response to engineering changes affecting product or process.

Assess plant impacts and develop coordinated implementation plans for changes.

Lead preparation of quotes cost impacts and timing changes related to product design or production process modifications.

Maintain regular communication with customers to ensure requirements are fully understood and supply continuity is maintained.

Support marketing and commercial activities including customer presentations datasheets customer visits and market research.

Assist in the development of product business cases and launch plans aligned with customer and company objectives.

Skills

Strong cross-functional leadership and team collaboration skills

Excellent organizational and project management abilities

High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills including customer-facing interaction

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Proven capability to deliver customer-focused solutions

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree (BS) required in Engineering Manufacturing Business or related field

Masters degree (MA/MBA or technical discipline) preferred

58 years of experience in automotive manufacturing launch management or program management

Tier 1 automotive supplier experience strongly preferred

Demonstrated experience supporting plant launches and cross-functional teams

Perks of Working with Us:

Competitive Salary

Three (3) Weeks of Vacation (prorated the first year)

401(k) Match up to 4%

Comprehensive Health Dental and Vision Insurance

Holiday Plant Shut-down & Employee Engagement Company Events

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Ready to Lead and Make an Impact

Apply today and become part of a team that values your technical expertise in driving the success of our Arlington facility. Lead the way in maintenance management and ensure our operations run at their highest potential!