Plant Launch Manager

The Plant Launch Manager oversees the launch of new products or processes in a manufacturing plant. They are responsible for ensuring that the launch meets the quality, cost, and delivery expectations of the customer and the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Plan and manage the launch activities, such as design, engineering, testing, validation, production, and delivery.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product development, marketing, sales, supply chain, and customer service, to align the launch strategy and execution.
3. Track and report the launch progress, performance, and risks to the senior management and stakeholders.
4. Resolve any issues or problems that arise during the launch process, such as technical, operational, or logistical challenges.
5. Ensure compliance with the company’s policies, standards, and procedures, as well as the customer’s specifications and requirements.
6. Provide technical leadership and guidance to the plant staff and engineers involved in the launch process.
7. Support continuous improvement and innovation initiatives to enhance the launch efficiency and effectiveness.
8. Provide leadership to concurrent engineering timeline ensuring customer and Company expectations are met.
9. Direct individuals across functions and plants on critical timing and provide direction of due dates and required follow-up, holding people accountable to those dates.
10. Develop and track APQP deliverable timeline in accordance with customer and internal requirements.
11. Ensure accomplishment of program launch KPIs and operational performance in the plant through 90 days after SOP.
12. Lead corrective action process.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

1. Bachelor degree in engineering, business, or a related field. A master’s degree or a certification in project management is preferred.
2. At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or product development, preferably in the automotive industry.
3. Strong knowledge of product launch methodologies, tools, and best practices.
4. Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
5. Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
6. Proficiency in SAP, GD&T, DOE, DFM, and other relevant software applications.
7. Experience launching new programs across multiple locations
8. Manufacturing or program management experience (Stamping, Welding & Assembly)

Desired Education & Experience

1. PMP certification
2. Experience in automotive seat structures and/or mechanisms
3. Worked with at least one of the following OEMs: Ford, GM, Stellantis, BMW, Volvo and VW
4. Experience with at least one OEM system
5. Experience with PLEX ERP system

Competencies

1. Leadership 
2. Program Management
3. Technical Capacity
4. Customer/Client Focus
5. Problem Solving/Analysis
6. Computer Proficiency
7. Ability to communicate with all levels of personnel including customers & suppliers.
8. Understanding of product and processes
9. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
10. Knowledge of related safety requirements
11. Confidentiality

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but has authority to direct resources across various departments and plants.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on the plant shop floor and occasionally in an office setting.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.