Job Function:
Product Management
Key Requirements:
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in product launch or project management within the automotive industry.
- Proven track record of successful project management and product launches.
- Familiarity with injection molding products
Work Schedule:
Monday to Friday, normal business hours
Team / Department Structure:
Small team of sales and engineering professionals
Direct Reports:
None
Opportunities for Growth:
Potential for growth as the company grows
Relocation Allowance:
Up to 20%
Visa Sponsorship Offered:
Yes
Products and Services:
EV parts
Benefits Offered:
Full benefits with 401K
Number of employees at this particular facility:
25-50
Number of total employees in whole company:
500+
Start up automotive parts manufacturing company in South Fort Worth is looking for a Launch Manager to manage the launch of their new products. This role requires candidates to have prior experience in managing product launches, working with automotive products, and be familiar with injection molding processes. Additional key requirements are also listed below.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead and manage product launch projects from concept to production, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
- Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and budgets.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, to achieve project objectives.
- Apply technical knowledge to identify and address potential challenges in product development and launch.
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure product design meets manufacturing capabilities and quality standards.
- Evaluate and implement process improvements to enhance product launch efficiency and effectiveness.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all launch-related activities and communicate project status to stakeholders.
- Facilitate regular project meetings to review progress, address issues, and align on objectives.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to senior management on project status, risks, and opportunities.
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact on project timelines and budgets.
- Conduct root cause analysis for any launch-related issues and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Ensure that all launch activities adhere to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Verify the project KPI’s in each phase of the launch process.
- Provide training and support to team members on new product launches and processes.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the launch team.
Qualifications
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or a related field is required.
- A master’s degree in a related field is a plus.
Required Experience
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in product launch or project management within the automotive industry.
- Proven track record of successful project management and product launches.
Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and product development cycles.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Professional Certificate
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is highly desirable.
- Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
Management capability
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
Software
- IQMS, SAP, OA, ADP, TESLA Portal, ETC.
Advanced Injection Molding Techniques
- Training in advanced injection molding techniques, especially for high-tonnage and complex insert molding.
- Certification: RJG Master Molder Certification, Paulson Training Programs.
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Assembly
- Specialized training in LSR assembly processes and technologies.
- Certification: Courses from the LSR eLearning Center or the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's LSR training program.
Automotive Engineering
- Certification: Automotive Engineering Certificate from SAE International
- Understanding the automotive industry standards, particularly in EV components.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Training in project management methodologies, risk management, and project planning.
- Certification: PMP from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Agile and Lean Manufacturing
- Training in agile project management and lean manufacturing principles to enhance efficiency and adaptability.
- Certification: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- Training in ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards for quality management in the automotive industry.
- Certification: ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, IATF 16949 Lead Auditor from an accredited body.
Regulatory Compliance
- Understanding regulatory requirements for automotive and EV components.
- Training: Courses on regulatory compliance from organizations like AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group).
Product Development and Innovation
- Training in new product development processes, innovation management, and design thinking.
- Certification: New Product Development Professional (NPDP) from the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA).
Research Methodologies
- Advanced training in research methodologies and techniques relevant to material sciences and automotive components.
- Certification: Courses in applied research methods from institutions like MIT or Stanford.
Leadership and Communication
- Training in leadership, team management, and effective communication.
- Certification: Leadership certifications from the American Management Association (AMA) or similar organizations.
Data Analysis and Statistics
- Training in data analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and using software tools like Minitab.
- Certification: Six Sigma Green Belt, courses in data analysis from Coursera or edX.