Launch Manager

About the role

The Engineering team is seeking a dynamic and driven Launch Manager to join a fast-growing global company in the automotive sector. The successful candidate will lead all activities related to the introduction of new automotive products and programs, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and quality-driven launches.

Responsibilities

• New Project Transfer & Launch Management:
  • Transfer new programs from Minth China R&D/Program teams to the US new plant.
  • Organize and lead cross-functional launch team (manufacturing engineering, quality, supply chain, production) to prepare for new program launch.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive launch timelines aligned with customer milestones and plant readiness.
  • Ensure completion of all launch deliverables: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and safe launch plans.
• Plant Readiness & Trial Production:
  • Lead plant-side process planning, line layout validation, and production trial runs.
  • Cook up plant resources (personnel planning, material readiness, new equipment/tooling/fixture transfer, acceptance, and commissioning).
  • Organize plant team training prior to launch and participate in production line acceptance.
  • Lead trial production builds, validate process parameters, optimize processes, and conduct capability studies.
• Cross-functional Coordination:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between China program team and US plant operations.
  • Lead regular launch review meetings, track open issues (LOP), escalate high-risk items to management.
  • Cook with supply chain to ensure component readiness for pilot and ramp-up builds.
• Quality & Customer Deliverables:
  • Lead PPAP submission and obtain customer production approval.
  • Drive resolution of quality issues and customer complaints during launch phase.
  • Ensure all customer-specific requirements are understood and met.
• Post-Launch Support & Ramp-Up:
  • Lead plant team to resolve launch issues and achieve production readiness metrics.
  • Support first 30-90 days of production to ensure stable quality and capacity ramp-up.
  • Document lessons learned and best practices for future launches.
  • Manage engineering changes post-launch.
• Cost & Budget Management:
  • Control project costs within budget, and achieve optimal profitability targets.
  • Track and report launch-related expenses.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Mechanical, Automotive, or related technical field.
• Experience: Minimum 5-8 years of project management experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Experience: Must have experience in new project introduction to manufacturing plants.
• Industry: Automotive parts industry experience, preferably with battery enclosures / structural components.
• Process Understanding: Strong understanding of automotive project development process (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans).
• Knowledge: Familiarity with TS16949/IATF16949 quality system.
• Processes: Knowledge of relevant processes: aluminum extrusion, welding, machining, surface treatment, assembly.
• Language: English proficiency required for daily communication with US plant team, customers, and Minth China.

Qualifications

• PMP certification.
• Experience launching new plants or production lines (greenfield or brownfield).
• Experience with US or European OEM customers.
• Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese (to interface with China program teams).

Benefits

Minth offers an international development platform, dynamic and efficient team, all-round personal improvement, personalized humanistic care, diversified working atmosphere, modern office setting, and competitive compensation package.