Job Description Job Description
Position Summary
The Launch Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating new product launches from program award through successful production ramp-up within a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment. This role ensures production readiness, cross-functional alignment, and flawless execution of APQP and PPAP requirements while meeting customer timing, cost, and quality expectations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Launch & Execution
- Lead new product launch activities from design release through SOP (Start of Production)
- Develop and manage launch timing plans, milestones, and deliverables
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations
- Serve as primary plant interface for OEM and customer launch teams
- Support and ensure completion of APQP deliverables:
- PFMEA / DFMEA participation
- Process Flow Diagrams (PFD)
- Control Plans
- MSA & SPC implementation
- Lead PPAP preparation, submission, and approval activities
- Coordinate Run Rate and capacity validation events
- Manage Safe Launch / GP-12 containment activities
- Capture and implement lessons learned for continuous improvement
- Coordinate installation, validation, and commissioning of production equipment and tooling
- Support tooling kickoff, mold tryouts, and tool debug (T0-T3 trials)
- Validate manufacturing processes and ensure readiness for production ramp-up
- Develop work instructions and support standard work creation
- Participate in line balancing, cycle time optimization, and OEE improvement initiatives
- Verify manufacturing feasibility and capacity planning
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure tooling and component readiness
- Support supplier APQP and supplier PPAP activities
- Participate in customer launch readiness reviews and on-site support as required
- Provide regular status updates to customers and internal leadership
- Support TS16949 Initiatives.
- Maximize company profitability while providing high value to the customer.
- Maintain the confidentiality of the company and its business.
- Participate in the sourcing of tooling and equipment for new programs, working with the Production Buyer, Tooling Engineer, Quality Engineer & Process Engineer.
- Advise Program Manager to invoice customer when appropriate.
- 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or Tier 1 supplier environment
- Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and automotive core tools
- Experience launching new products into production
- Excellent project management and cross-functional coordination skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment
Company Description
With over 30 years of industry experience and a footprint spanning 10 United States locations, Creative Liquid Coatings is a powerhouse in integrated manufacturing. We bridge the gap between complex plastic injection molding and world-class automated finishing, utilizing a fleet of over 150 machines ranging from 85 to 5,000 tons. Our versatile paint lines accommodate a wide range of component sizes, providing a seamless, end-to-end production solution that combines massive scale with precision engineering for the most demanding industrial applications.
Company Description With over 30 years of industry experience and a footprint spanning 10 United States locations, Creative Liquid Coatings is a powerhouse in integrated manufacturing. We bridge the gap between complex plastic injection molding and world-class automated finishing, utilizing a fleet of over 150 machines ranging from 85 to 5,000 tons. Our versatile paint lines accommodate a wide range of component sizes, providing a seamless, end-to-end production solution that combines massive scale with precision engineering for the most demanding industrial applications.
