Launch Lead

GM•Arlington, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Launch Lead is a senior manufacturing professional responsible for leading launch readiness and execution for an assigned plant area, process, or functional discipline. The role serves as 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 that 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 is accountable for identifying launch risk early, coordinating countermeasures, communicating status, and driving issues to closure through Launch Team Release and the transition to stable production. The specific 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.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive leadership in automotive launch or high-volume manufacturing.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Ability and willingness to work / rotate through all 3 shifts (1st, 2nd & 3rd)
Ability and willingness to work over-time, weekends, holidays, etc. as needed
Proven experience managing large teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Strong leadership and communication 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.
Ability to travel 50% of the time or higher based on business needs domestically and/or internationally.

Nice To Haves

Prior launch experience as PLOM or launch manager for a department
Operated as lead or functioned as staff member
Demonstrated high level of analytical ability where the problems are unusual and difficult.
Demonstrated Industrial Engineering skills and work measurement techniques to drive continuous improvement activities.
Evidence of strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.

Responsibilities

The GA Launch Manager is responsible for the flawless execution of the program deliverables within General Assembly
Provides Level 1 & 2 outline for all General Assembly Master Dot activities ensuring updates with the appropriate countermeasures.
Aligns and Communicates General Assembly’s status to the Plant Launch Operations Manager and the General Assembly Area Director
Works with the Material Launch Manager to help coordinate and validate the material plan for General Assembly
Coordinates quality plans with Quality Systems
Holds team accountable to achieve manpower targets
Identify and resolve issues to ensure a successful launch
Cross-Functional leadership & coordination between Production and Vehicle Systems
Strategic planning and execution of layout, process, and equipment/technology deployment
Trained General Assembly organization
Share Lessons Learned for next phases
Provides leadership to the General Assembly launch structure
Coordinates daily activity of launch personnel
Manage all activities between PIT/IRT, facilities, equipment, and budget
Establishes plant participation for Validation Center builds and tool shops, for system buyoffs
Establishes roles and responsibilities for the General Assembly Launch Team
Exhibit active participation as a member of the Launch Team and attends all Launch Team meetings, including the daily build wrap-up meetings
Input into pre-production budget requirements: resources, materials, training aids, etc.