Plant Launch Manager

Role Overview

• Develop a standard plant launch process and metrics including launch dashboard.
• Support internal run at rate activities to verify installed capacity.
• Support customer meetings during critical launch activities
• Coach and develop plant Project Managers
• Monitor all design, quality, production, financial, and milestone timing needs of the programs being launched in US and Mexico plants
• Travels to plant locations, supplier locations and customer locations as necessary.
• Liaison with customer regarding program issues.
• Communicate project status and updates to NA Operations team.
• Responsible for extended support of operations, quality, or engineering beyond what a typical program would require.
• Participation in the Light Vehicle Global Launch Process for US and Mexico plants.
• This includes engagement and participating in the Functional Stage Gate reviews and approvals as well as ensuring reporting tools are kept up to date.
• Drives accountability throughout the organization, ensuring the implementation and adherence to project management standards and practices through execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7 + years of progressive experience in automotive operations roles, including program management, operations management, commercial…
• Excellent APQP and program management techniques knowledge.
• An understanding of financial analysis concepts and budget management.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience of managing challenging negotiations and achieving the desired outcome.
• Ability to successfully function in a matrix style of management, managing a variety of cross functional team members.
• Able to operate successfully at senior management level.
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills; competent in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making; and shows aggressiveness when completing assignments and other responsibilities.
• Focused on exceeding expectations and comfortable with working independently.
• Proactivity, an individual who drives change and seeks opportunity for improvements.
• A passion to take ownership and deliver as both leader and member in a winning and supportive team environment.
• PMI certification will be considered as plus.
• Both strategic and hands on; able to lead in execution as well as develop strategy.
• Able to make decisions independently with appropriate level of consultation/communication.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships to gain support to achieve goals.
• Strong understanding of global and domestic business and legal environments
• Financial acumen; ability to do analytical analysis, budgeting, and make cost / benefit decisions
• Commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior in self and others; commitment to inclusion and diversity

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible work hours
• Paid time off
• Remote work options