Program​/Launch Manager

Program / Launch Manager Job Overview

The Program / Launch Manager is responsible for the successful planning, coordination, and execution of new product introductions and program launches. This role leads cross‑functional teams to ensure key milestones are achieved on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Acting as the primary program lead, the Program / Launch Manager drives structured launch execution from design freeze through production readiness and stable serial production.

• Develop, maintain, and manage comprehensive program plans covering tooling, validation trials, production readiness, customer deliverables, and launch milestones.
• Coordinate cross‑functional activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Operations teams.
• Monitor program timelines, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to maintain launch schedules.
• Prepare and communicate regular program status updates, risks, action plans, and key performance indicators to senior management.
• Ensure alignment between project objectives, business requirements, and customer expectations throughout the program lifecycle.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer program teams throughout the launch process.
• Lead customer meetings, program reviews, and status updates, ensuring clear communication of project progress and open issues.
• Coordinate the completion and submission of all customer‑required deliverables and documentation within agreed timelines.
• Manage customer expectations and facilitate the resolution of technical, operational, and commercial issues.
• Escalate significant risks or concerns to leadership as appropriate.
• Coordinate tooling development, modifications, validation activities, and approval processes with Engineering and Manufacturing teams.
• Manage engineering changes throughout the project lifecycle, evaluating their impact on timing, cost, quality, and resources.
• Ensure all process documentation, manufacturing instructions, and technical requirements are completed and approved prior to production trials.
• Facilitate collaboration between internal teams and external suppliers to support successful launch execution.

• Lead launch readiness reviews to confirm manufacturing, quality, logistics, and supply chain preparedness prior to production start.
• Coordinate production trials, pilot builds, validation events, and process qualification activities.
• Drive closure of open issues identified during launch activities to ensure a smooth transition into production.
• Support production ramp‑up activities and oversee the handover from launch phase to ongoing operations.
• Monitor early production performance and coordinate corrective actions when required.

• Maintain and actively manage program risk registers, mitigation plans, and contingency actions.
• Track project expenditures and monitor program performance against approved budgets.
• Identify potential commercial, operational, technical, and scheduling risks that may impact project success.
• Support leadership with decision‑making by providing accurate program forecasts, risk assessments, and recovery plans.
• Ensure project objectives are achieved while maintaining cost, quality, and timing commitments.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in program management, project management, product launches, or new product introduction within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Stage‑Gate, Product Development, and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Professional project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in project management software such as MS Project or equivalent planning tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and customer‑facing capabilities.
• Fluency in English is required;
  Arabic language skills are considered an advantage.
• Program planning and milestone management.
• Customer relationship and stakeholder management.
• Cross‑functional leadership and coordination.
• Project risk assessment and mitigation.
• APQP, PPAP, and product launch expertise.
• Budget and cost management.
• Strategic problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Results‑oriented execution and accountability.
• Ability to perform effectively in high‑pressure launch environments.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.