Launch Manager

The primary responsibilities of this position is to direct, coordinate and assist in the planning, organization, control, integration and completion of plant-based activities for new program launches. The Launch Manager will also need to maintain a leadership role within cross-functional teams to ensure a successful launch of all new programs while adhering to TENPLUS and IATF16949 procedures and activities within Tenneco.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. Must be able to commit to following projects through until completion -- the life cycle of responsibility spans from project screening to steady-state production and a successful project review meeting.
2. Review launch plans with respect to labor, floor space, workflow, and layout.
3. Ensure PPAP and SOP (start of production) are on time, all milestones are green, and production quality and efficiency have met stated levels.
4. Direct launch teams and assist plant management to ensure adherence to NPIS and APQP guidelines, review product design for compliance and engineering principles.
5. Establish priorities, set goals, plan work assignments, establish deadlines and carry out tasks to completion.
6. Provide monthly verbal program status reviews to the plant management.
7. Attend meetings with customers, present data, and obtain information from customers to ensure a successful launch.
8. Maintain plant-based BOS metric (projects on-time) and present at BOS or plant wide meetings when required.
9. Confer with planning, process engineering and design staff concerning product, design, and tooling to ensure safe, capable and efficient production methods.
10. Evaluate and assist in design changes, specifications and drawing releases.
11. Responsible for all plant-based aspects of new product development and launch.
12. Assist process engineers and launch team in review of vendor specifications and equipment purchase plans.
13. Monitor progress of suppliers of equipment and production parts to ensure on-time delivery and correct PPAP documentation.
14. Initiate, coordinate and check Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs) for program-related equipment and tooling. Perform these functions for High-Level CARs when required.
15. Support and adhere to EH&S policies and procedures.
16. Support TENPLUS and IATF16949, APQP and other applicable procedures and policies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing environment or combination of the education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office products.
2. Program management or project management introduction experience.
3. Working knowledge and application of TA tools (BOS, 8D, Lean, Six Sigma, EVA, TVM)
4. Ability to lead and function in a team environment, while effectively communicating across various levels of the organization.
5. Ability to write concise reports and present information to management and customer groups.
6. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
7. Work with little direction (other than standard procedures).
8. Demonstrate a dedication to achieving results and be able to sustain high drive and energy levels under sometimes intense working conditions.
9. Effective in directing and guiding others toward task accomplishments.
10. Knowledge of tubular steel manufacturing and fabrication processes.