Launch Manager, Manufacturing

Job Summary

Responsible for all aspects of Manufacturing planning and execution activities required to launch new programs and meet customer and business plan requirements. Drive culture and processes that promote continuous improvement, safety, cost management, and flawless launch with quality. This position will work with program management, engineering, purchasing, logistics, quality, and assembly operations. This position will also lead Engineering & Process Change control and VAVE activities.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for overseeing all aspects of new program launch as it pertains to the manufacturing and production plant or prototype facility including but not limited to build scheduling & reporting, driving supplier demand back top purchasing, tracking materials and WIP through builds, resolving issues & priority conflicts, managing readiness actions, leading shipment signoffs, and managing Engineering & Process Change Control.
• Work with Program Management to define releases, their goals, and themes, ensuring all internal departments understand their role in releases, facilitate communication of release readiness internal and to customers.
• Work with all Engineering disciplines to create technical Product & Process design solutions that balance cost tradeoffs for most effective outcomes.
• Coinciding prototype and production workflow for multiple products.
• Planning and prioritizing operations to ensure maximum performance and execute schedule.
• Ensuring staffing, equipment and raw materials are in place to cover production demand.
• Runs all launch OPL (Open Points List) meetings and drives items to closure.
• Holds cross-functional reviews as required to progress the plan, then report and escalate items as required.
• Create a strong link between Engineering, Prototype, Production, and Suppliers to ensure flawless transfer between Product Life Cycle Phases.
• Identify bottlenecks and roadblocks upfront and facilitate improvement to APQP value stream.
• Involves in the early stages of new product development to ensure all areas of the business are ready for the launch.
• Create project timeline in cooperation with Sales, Engineering and Operations.
• Identify critical path and work with local management to execute the plan.
• Connect with partners throughout all levels of the organization, including preparing and giving presentations as rolled out by Director of Operations.
• Produce reports based on findings and performance of production.
• Responsible for Manufacturing deliverables for Phase Gates.
• Ensure all production documentation required is in place including DFM, DFA, PFD, PFMEA, WI, etc.
• Identify and resolve problems relating to inventory.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in operations, mechanical, electrical engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 (five) years of engineering or project management experience in an engineering / manufacturing facility.
• Minimum of 5 (five) years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Proven record of designing and implementing successful projects meeting cost, quality and schedule.
• The ability to collaboratively work with cross functional teams to achieve manufacturing targets.
• Knowledge and experience with ISO 9001, TS 16949 and ISO 14001.
• Strong technical, documentation and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, ability to deal with ambiguity and self-directed.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office, MS Project and PowerPoint and other project management software.
• Must be a team player.

Key Competencies

• Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Priorities Focused: Understands and actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Influences Others: Has personal and organizational impact built on mutual trust, fairness, and honesty. Flexes their style to direct, collaborate, or empower, as the situation requires.
• Organization and Planning: Establishes a systematic course for self and/or others to assure accomplishment of objectives. Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.
• Communications: Exchanges thoughts, feelings and information effectively. Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments, and on uneven terrain.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.
• Able to complete physically demanding work.
• Able to lift and carry heavy objects.
• May be required to travel to and navigate a variety of sites to fully understand material needs.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
• The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day.