Launch Manager
Listed on 2026-11-07
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Manufacturing / Production
Operations Management, Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma, Manufacturing Engineer
This position will support the launch of a new manufacturing facility in the southwest Birmingham metropolitan area.
- Lead operational launch activities, ensuring plant readiness and successful program execution.
- Track launch readiness against customer deliverables, business case objectives, launch milestones, and key performance metrics; establish a regular review cadence.
- Ensure adherence to the PDP process for all launches, including MSD, OSD, and Zero-Defect Launch requirements.
- Lead the Operations Engineering (LOE) function and effectively manage engineering changes throughout the launch.
- Develop, coach, and mentor direct reports while strengthening lean manufacturing and continuous improvement capabilities.
- Ensure all program deliverables are achieved on schedule and proactively identify, communicate, and elevate risks requiring resolution.
- Coordinate plant resources, including skilled trades, operators, engineering, floor space, equipment, CMM, and Kaizen support, to achieve launch objectives.
- Lead Lean and Kaizen activities to optimize sequencing processes, material flow, productivity, quality, and operational performance.
- Monitor and maintain plant equipment and process capacity to support launch volumes and customer requirements.
- Partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to resolve launch, operational, and customer-related issues in a timely manner.
- 5–7 years of progressive manufacturing, operations, engineering, or launch management experience within the automotive industry.
- Strong automotive manufacturing background, preferably within a Tier 1 sequencing, Just-in-Time (JIT), or Just-in-Sequence (JIS) facility.
- Demonstrated experience leading new program, product, or facility launches from planning through production readiness and stabilization.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional launch teams, including Operations, Engineering, Quality, Materials/Logistics, IT, Maintenance, and Human Resources.
- Strong knowledge of JIT/JIS sequencing operations, material flow, production processes, Lean manufacturing, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
- Experience developing and executing launch plans, timing, equipment readiness, process validation, staffing, training, and production ramp-up activities.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment, mechanical concepts, production technologies, and process layouts.
- Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to manage launch milestones, identify risks, resolve issues, and drive accountability across functional teams.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interface with customers, suppliers, employees, and leadership.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced automotive environment, ensuring launch readiness and supporting a successful transition to steady-state production.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field required.
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Shift
-not applicable-
Location Inteva Products, LLC - Greater Birmingham, AL Operations
Req Number MAN-26-00031
About the OrganizationInteva Products is a leading global automotive supplier providing innovative, reliable, environmentally friendly products that enhance vehicle quality, safety and performance. Inteva has global resources for design, engineering, manufacturing and customer service for Interiors, Latches, Door Systems, Motors & Electronics, Overhead Systems, and Hard Trim. Formed in 2008, the tier-one supplier is focused on achieving sustained global growth, providing excellent customer service, and driving innovation.
Inteva was founded on innovative solutions and the use of applied technology to drive value-based solutions. The company employs 12,000 people in over 35 sites and maintains its World Headquarters in Troy, Michigan USA. For more information, please visit
Equal Opportunity Employer
* Positions are open to qualified candidates who have work authorization for the listed locations. All candidates must have the on-going legal right to work within the country where the position is located.
* The application process functions best when applicants use a laptop or desktop.
Category Manufacturing/Operations
This position is currently accepting applications.
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