Launch Manager

About the role

This role leads plant-level launch execution for new or updated automotive manufacturing programs. You coordinate cross-functional and program resources to ensure a smooth production ramp-up, achievement of cycle time targets, and successful attainment of all program launch objectives. You serve as the central point of accountability for manufacturing readiness, driving alignment across operations, engineering, quality, logistics, purchasing, and advanced manufacturing to deliver a flawless start of production and sustainable performance beyond SOP.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all build events, including Run at Rate (R@R) validation and pilot builds, to confirm manufacturing readiness and achievement of key launch milestones.
• Lead plant-level launch execution by coordinating cross-functional and program resources to ensure a smooth production ramp-up and attainment of cycle time and launch performance targets.
• Develop, implement, and manage production power build plans and capacity ramp-up strategies to align manufacturing capability with customer demand at SOP and into steady-state production.
• Drive accountability across plant operations, engineering, quality, logistics, purchasing, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME), and Advanced Quality Engineering (AQE) to ensure timely completion of launch deliverables and adherence to launch glidepaths and program timing.
• Identify, track, and eliminate launch-related barriers that may impact production readiness, product quality, manufacturing cost, or delivery performance, and coordinate corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.
• Lead Launch Readiness Review (LRR) meetings with cross-functional teams to validate launch preparedness, assess risks, and secure formal approval for production start-up.
• Monitor launch budget, cost, and overall financial performance of the program at the plant level, escalating issues and driving cost-effective solutions where needed.
• Coordinate logistics readiness activities in alignment with program gate requirements, ensuring material flow, packaging solutions, and supply chain readiness meet manufacturing and customer expectations.
• Ensure logistics and supply chain activities comply with program gate requirements and support on-time, quality-compliant material delivery to the production line.
• Prepare and publish launch performance reports for up to three months post-SOP, clearly communicating launch status, key risks, and corrective actions to stakeholders.
• Consolidate and maintain comprehensive plant launch dashboards and reporting systems to provide visibility into program readiness, risk mitigation actions, and launch progress.
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams for completion of all launch-related deliverables, ensuring adherence to committed timelines and program objectives.
• Support continuous improvement of launch processes, tools, and best practices to enhance future program execution, leveraging lessons learned from current and past launches.
• Collaborate with engineering and continuous improvement teams to integrate design, process, and quality enhancements into launch planning and execution.
• Coordinate with quality and manufacturing engineering to validate production readiness, including APQP and PPAP deliverables, and ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.

Requirements

• Proven experience in automotive manufacturing environments, with direct involvement in plant-level program launches and production ramp-ups.
• Strong program management skills, including planning, coordination, and execution of complex, cross-functional launch activities.
• Manufacturing engineering experience or substantial experience working closely with manufacturing engineering teams in an automotive setting.
• Hands-on experience with launch support activities, including Run at Rate (R@R), pilot builds, and production readiness validations.
• Working knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes and requirements in automotive manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and its application to validating production readiness and quality compliance.
• Solid understanding of automotive quality standards and their impact on launch planning, process validation, and ongoing production performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate activities across operations, engineering, quality, logistics, purchasing, and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical skills to identify launch-related risks and barriers, track performance metrics, and develop effective mitigation plans.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, with the ability to prepare clear dashboards, performance summaries, and stakeholder updates.
• Ability to drive accountability and maintain focus on launch glidepaths, program timing, and deliverable completion in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience launching programs with major automotive OEMs such as BMW or VW is preferred.
• Experience with other automotive OEMs such as Tesla, Ford, or GM is considered a strong plus.
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies and tools, particularly as they relate to launch processes and production optimization.
• Familiarity with structured program gate processes and stage-gate governance in automotive manufacturing.
• Comfort working with cross-functional stakeholders at multiple levels within a plant and program organization.

Work Environment

This position operates in a dynamic automotive manufacturing plant environment,