Manufacturing Launch Manager

JB Poindexter & Co • Reading, PA

90d

About The Position

The Manufacturing Launch Manager plans, organizes, and manages the Manufacturing Launch function, providing engineering direction and recommendations for assembly and manufacturing processes, operations, and production launches. The role focuses on manufacturing systems, processes, standards, tooling, launch KPIs, APQP compliance, PFEP and PPAP support, and the end-to-end manufacturing process from raw material input to finished product output. The goal is to achieve efficient, effective, productive, and cost-conscious operations while maintaining high quality and meeting production schedules without compromising safety or quality.

The manager provides day-to-day direction to the Manufacturing Launch Management department and leads or supports manufacturing launch, process improvement, project execution, and coordination across internal teams and external vendors, suppliers, and sister units. The role is responsible for estimating and executing projects against KPIs, budgets, and schedules, and for keeping leadership informed of project metrics and progress.

Reading Truck manufactures, distributes, and enhances work truck bodies and operates across more than 20 North American locations. The company describes its culture as combining large-company perks with a small-company culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as Engineering or Technology.
• At least 10 years of total experience in manufacturing or in combined engineering and manufacturing in the sheet metal fabrication industry.
• At least 2 years of experience in manufacturing launch.
• Experience leading, directly or indirectly, a team of project engineers, manufacturing and/or industrial engineers, technical support engineers, and maintenance and facilities support.
• Experience launching production of new or modified products and implementing automated processes.

Nice To Haves

• Automotive experience is a plus.
• Experience in APQP is a plus.
• Experience with DFM, DFA, PFMEA, and CP and their applications is preferred.
• Experience with program or project management and lean manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day direction to the Manufacturing Launch Management department.
• Drive APQP compliance and ensure relevant deliverables are completed according to program or launch timelines.
• Support PFEP and PPAP, and provide management reports tracking performance, launch preparedness and risks, launch KPIs, and recovery plans for short- and long-term goals and new or modified product launches.
• Lead value stream mapping (VSM) and build process activities, including creating visual indicators of operating conditions.
• Maintain records for production processes, equipment, tooling, gauges, jigs, and fixtures to optimize manufacturing processes for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
• Develop capital equipment requests (CAPEX) for assembly and manufacturing projects.
• Design and analyze labor and space requirements, product design, quality requirements, workflow, equipment layout, and workspace to maximize efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness of manufacturing and assembly operations and projects.
• Collaborate with design, materials, supply chain, safety, quality, and production teams.
• Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, and sister units.
• Participate in Gemba walks and support production teams.
• Support and participate in lean initiatives to improve safety, product quality, and productivity through assembly and manufacturing process development.
• Keep leadership regularly updated on key metrics and project progress.
• Estimate and execute projects against KPIs, within budget, and on time.
• Perform other duties as required or directed by management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tools Purchase Program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Footwear, eyewear, and safety equipment discount program.
• Paid training and development programs.

What This Job Offers

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