Launch Manager

Johnson Electric; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global presence

Career advancement

Employee empowerment

Diverse projects

Job summary

Johnson Electric in Ancaster, Ontario is seeking a Launch Manager to lead planning, development, and execution of new product launches from concept to production start-up. You’ll manage cross-functional teams and drive capital equipment projects to meet quality, cost, timing, and safety goals.

This role requires 2–3 years in automotive manufacturing and project management, with hands-on experience in machining, automated assembly, and capital-equipment procurement.

Qualifications

• Two to three years of experience in automotive manufacturing and project or program management.
• Experience with machining, automated assembly, injection molding, or metal-stamping operations.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Run at Rate, capacity studies, and automotive quality requirements.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949.
• Proficiency in GD&T and technical drawing interpretation.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, grinding, deburring, washing, and assembly.
• Experience with capital-equipment procurement, supplier management, and project implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of new product launches.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and launch-readiness plans.
• Coordinate safe-launch activities and production ramp-up requirements.
• Serve as Project Team Lead for major plant-launch activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance.
• Drive the implementation of new machining cells, assembly equipment, and automation systems.
• Ensure new manufacturing solutions meet quality, safety, capacity, and operational-efficiency requirements.
• Manage capital-equipment acquisition, including specifications, supplier selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Coordinate APQP activities, PPAP submissions, Run at Rate studies, capacity analyses, and customer deliverables.
• Lead equipment debugging, run-off, validation, and manufacturing-process implementation.
• Drive assigned projects through successful PPAP approval and customer acceptance.
• Monitor project costs, timing, risks, resources, and open actions.
• Develop and implement risk-mitigation and recovery strategies when required.
• Track machine utilization and identify capacity gaps and future equipment requirements.
• Support capital planning for new manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with Bill of Materials development, product-cost analysis, and project financial evaluations.
• Facilitate project meetings, document decisions, and track action items through completion.
• Manage production-line transfers between facilities while minimizing operational disruption.
• Maintain clear communication with customers, suppliers, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• Promote internal customer satisfaction and continuous improvement throughout the launch process.
• Ensure compliance with Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management Systems.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

APQP/PPAP knowledge

GD&T interpretation

Manufacturing processes

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Job description

Join Our Team as a Launch Manager at Johnson Electric!Location: Ancaster, ON (onsite)Salary Range: $105,000 - 125,000 annuallyVacancy Type: Existing PositionSchedule: Full-TimeAs our next Launch Manager, you’ll lead the planning, development, and execution of new product launches from concept through production start-up. Your expertise in automotive project management, manufacturing processes, capital equipment, and cross-functional leadership will be essential to ensuring successful launches that meet customer, quality, cost, timing, and operational requirements.Why You’ll Love Working HereGlobal Presence: Be part of a global company with diverse teams and opportunities to contribute to international projectsStrong Leadership: Work with experienced leaders who provide direction and support successful project executionEmployee Empowerment: Join a culture that empowers employees to take initiative and make impactful decisionsDiverse Projects: Work on a variety of product launches, capital projects, and manufacturing technologiesCareer Advancement: Access clear career paths and opportunities for advancement within the companyWhat You’ll Be DoingLead the planning, execution, and delivery of new product launchesDevelop and maintain project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and launch-readiness plansCoordinate safe-launch activities and production ramp-up requirementsServe as Project Team Lead for major plant-launch activitiesCoordinate cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and MaintenanceDrive the implementation of new machining cells, assembly equipment, and automation systemsEnsure new manufacturing solutions meet quality, safety, capacity, and operational-efficiency requirementsManage capital-equipment acquisition, including specifications, supplier selection, procurement, installation, and commissioningCoordinate APQP activities, PPAP submissions, Run at Rate studies, capacity analyses, and customer deliverablesLead equipment debugging, run-off, validation, and manufacturing-process implementationDrive assigned projects through successful PPAP approval and customer acceptanceMonitor project costs, timing, risks, resources, and open actionsDevelop and implement risk-mitigation and recovery strategies when requiredTrack machine utilization and identify capacity gaps and future equipment requirementsSupport capital planning for new manufacturing equipmentAssist with Bill of Materials development, product-cost analysis, and project financial evaluationsFacilitate project meetings, document decisions, and track action items through completionManage production-line transfers between facilities while minimizing operational disruptionMaintain clear communication with customers, suppliers, leadership, and internal stakeholdersPromote internal customer satisfaction and continuous improvement throughout the launch processEnsure compliance with Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management SystemsPerform other related duties as assignedWhat We’re Looking ForBachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical Engineering, or a related disciplineEquivalent combination of technical education and relevant professional experience may be consideredTwo to three years of experience in automotive manufacturing and project or program managementExperience with machining, automated assembly, injection molding, or metal-stamping operationsStrong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Run at Rate, capacity studies, and automotive quality requirementsWorking knowledge of IATF 16949Proficiency in GD&T and technical drawing interpretationUnderstanding of manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, grinding, deburring, washing, and assemblyExperience with capital-equipment procurement, supplier management, and project implementationStrong project-management, planning, and organizational skillsAbility to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneouslyStrong analytical, troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving skillsExcellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-management abilitiesAbility to lead and influence cross-functional teams at all organizational levelsProficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPointProficiency in spoken and written EnglishSelf-motivated and able to work independently and collaborativelyBonus Points If You HaveExperience leading automotive launches from RFQ through serial productionExperience with automation and advanced assembly systemsProficiency with Microsoft Project or comparable project-management softwareExperience performing capacity planning and equipment-utilization analysisKnowledge of product costing, BOM development, and P&L evaluationExperience managing production-line transfers between manufacturing facilitiesProject Management Professional certification or formal project-management trainingExperience supporting multi-site or global manufacturing programsHow to ApplyApply online at www.johnsonelectric.com. We can’t wait to meet you!What We OfferJohnson Electric offers talented people like you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, surrounded by some of the most dedicated, innovative, and entrepreneurial colleagues you will find anywhere. We offer competitive pay and benefits, along with a culture driven by our values and designed to ensure that our most important asset, our people, can flourish.Johnson Electric welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in any stage of the selection process.In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Johnson Electric is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require accommodation during the recruitment process.Please note: Johnson Electric may use Artificial Intelligence tools as part of our recruitment process.Come join our global, inclusive & diverse teamOur purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.