Launch Lead

GM • Arlington, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Body Shop Launch Lead is a manufacturing professional responsible for leading launch readiness and execution for an assigned plant area, process, or functional discipline. The role is the primary connection between the Plant Launch Team, area leadership, manufacturing engineering, product engineering, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and production operations. The Launch Lead translates program requirements into executable plant actions and ensures the assigned area is prepared to build the product safely, at the required quality level, within takt time, and according to program timing. The role identifies launch risks early, coordinates countermeasures, communicates status, and drives issues to closure through Launch Team Release and the transition to stable production. The area of responsibility may include Body Shop, Paint, Stamping, General Assembly, Quality, Material, Electrical, Chassis, or another manufacturing function, depending on the launch program and plant structure.

This onsite position is based in Arlington, Texas, and requires rotating among all three shifts. The role may involve domestic and international travel of 25% or more, as well as overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed. Relocation benefits may be available. GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of previous experience in automotive or program launch, or high-volume manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Ability and willingness to work or rotate through all three shifts (first, second, and third).
• Ability to travel 25% or more based on business needs, domestically and/or internationally.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Strong leadership and technical skills, with the ability to influence across levels.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing operations, safety standards, and lean principles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic and operational plans.
• Experience with budget management and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with labor agreements and corporate compliance standards.

Nice To Haves

• Prior Body Shop launch experience or experience as a launch manager for a program.
• High analytical ability in addressing unusual and difficult problems.
• Strong technical skills and knowledge of work measurement techniques to drive continuous improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with others.

Responsibilities

• Lead flawless execution of program deliverables within Body Shop.
• Provide Level 1 and Level 2 outlines for Body Shop Master Dot activities and ensure updates include appropriate countermeasures.
• Align and communicate Body Shop status to the Plant Launch Operations Manager and Body Shop Area Director.
• Work with the Material Launch Manager to coordinate and validate the Body Shop material plan.
• Coordinate quality plans with Quality Systems.
• Hold the team accountable for achieving manpower targets.
• Identify and resolve issues to ensure a successful launch.
• Lead cross-functional coordination between Production and Body Manufacturing Engineering.
• Plan and execute layout, process, and equipment or technology deployment.
• Train the Body Shop organization.
• Share lessons learned for subsequent phases.
• Lead the Body Shop launch structure and coordinate the daily activities of launch personnel.
• Manage activities between PIT/IRT, facilities, equipment, and budget.
• Establish plant participation for Validation Center builds and tool shops for system buyoffs.
• Participate actively as a member of the Launch Team and attend all Launch Team meetings, including daily build wrap-up meetings.
• Provide input into pre-production budget requirements, including resources, materials, and training aids.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits may be available.
• GM describes its benefits as supporting employee well-being at work and at home; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior