Manager of Program Launch Management; PLM

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Program Launch Management (PLM) will provide leadership and coordination of programs assigned to his or her designated manufacturing location. The role serves as the focal point for all Engineering, Product Development, Launch, and Production topics, ensuring that programs are well translated and conveyed to the Manufacturing Location, capabilities are matched, requirements are understood, and projects are effectively and efficiently developed and launched into production.

The Program Launch Manager acts as the Single Point of Contact between the Manufacturing Location and the Product Design and Development Location, including plant management, engineering design and development, operations, logistics, and sales. The Manager must be experienced and effective at facilitating interfaces between global teams in different time zones and diverse cultures.

• Minimum of 5 years of Project Management experience in the Automotive or related industry
• Strong product development experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proficient with MS Office applications
• APQP experience – from Initial Concept/Design transmittal to Production
• PPAP experience
• DV/PV experience
• A thorough knowledge of basic concepts, LEAN / Continuous Improvement (C.I.) principles, and practices and established manufacturing procedures
• Ability to manage project details while keeping the overall project scope cohesive
• Ensure daily tasks are performed in alignment with OHS&E practices and applicable standards (ISO 14001, ISO 45001), and Automotive Quality Management System (IATF 16949)

• Manage multiple OEM Production Projects from start of program through Launch and beyond
• Provide project coordination and leadership in a cross‑functional and multidisciplinary team
• Serve as liaison between Design and Development Engineering teams and Manufacturing
• Reconcile the Project Schedule to the Manufacturing schedule to ensure proper alignment
• Assist in tracking all customer‑owned tooling and other assets
• Coordinate interface between Product Design and Manufacturing teams to ensure that the design is manufacturable according to Manufacturer’s capabilities
• Ensure the proper scheduling of all Manufacturing builds as required by the Project Schedule
• Serve as key liaison between customer Product Design, Manufacturing Location, and Local Suppliers when needed
• Effectively communicate project status and proactively manage risk
• Oversee Change Management relative to Design and Process Changes within the life of the product
• Assist with and coordinate Customer Visits, Reviews and Audits
• Participate in improvements for process and manufacturing
• Maintain and keep working area to meet environmental requirements and regulatory compliance
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned