Launch Manager - Tier 1 Automotive Industry

International Automotive Components•Arlington, TX

About The Position

The Launch Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all manufacturing plant activities related to the successful launch of new and current automotive programs within a Tier 1 supplier environment. Serving as the primary technical interface between the plant, program management, and customer teams, this role ensures product launches meet quality, cost, delivery, and timing requirements. The Launch Manager oversees APQP activities, tooling and capital investments, launch budgets, engineering changes, and cross-functional plant readiness from pre-production through launch stabilization.

Requirements

Strong cross-functional leadership and team collaboration skills
Excellent organizational and project management abilities
High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including customer-facing interaction
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Proven capability to deliver customer-focused solutions
Bachelor’s degree (BS) required in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field
5–8 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, launch management, or program management
Tier 1 automotive supplier experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience supporting plant launches and cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MA/MBA or technical discipline) preferred
Tier 1 automotive supplier experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Act as the technical liaison between the manufacturing plant, program management, and customer teams.
Maintain accountability for all assembly plant activities related to new program launches and ongoing model changes.
Coordinate cross-functional efforts to achieve program deliverables and ensure on-time, successful launches.
Lead plant launch buildout meetings, open-issue reviews, and readiness assessments; drive actions to closure and escalate issues as needed.
Lead plant APQP activities and ensure alignment with internal and customer-specific requirements.
Oversee product and process validation, including part capability studies, trial builds, and production readiness reviews.
Develop plant quality specification sheets defining part quality requirements and acceptance standards.
Develop and validate packaging specifications to support safe, efficient delivery to customers.
Initiate and manage program commitments including tooling, capital equipment, and launch-related investments.
Track and verify tooling development, installation, and readiness to support program timelines.
Lead launch budget planning, tracking, and reporting for tooling, equipment, and capital expenditures.
Support material costing, bill-of-material (BOM) creation, and financial validation for new and current programs.
Provide daily leadership and direction to Plant Departments (Materials, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, IT, and Production) regarding: Build timing and launch schedules, Product configurations, Component and supplier readiness
Develop and coordinate sample and prototype manufacturing schedules with plant scheduling and engineering teams.
Coordinate and manage outsourced production activities and vendor support related to launch programs.
Own the Change Implementation Process for new and current model programs.
Understand, communicate, and lead plant response to engineering changes affecting product or process.
Assess plant impacts and develop coordinated implementation plans for changes.
Lead preparation of quotes, cost impacts, and timing changes related to product design or production process modifications.
Maintain regular communication with customers to ensure requirements are fully understood and supply continuity is maintained.
Support marketing and commercial activities, including customer presentations, datasheets, customer visits, and market research.
Assist in the development of product business cases and launch plans aligned with customer and company objectives.