Launch Manager

100604 PM-Ancaster; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

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 coordinate cross-functional teams and manage capital equipment, ensuring quality, cost, timing, and operational goals are met.

The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years in automotive manufacturing, strong APQP/PPAP knowledge, and proven project-management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Project management

Planning

Communication

Negotiation

Conflict management

MS Office

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical/Automotive/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Join Our Team as a Launch Manager at Johnson Electric! Location: Ancaster, ON (onsite) Salary Range: $105,000 - 125,000 annually Vacancy Type: Existing Position Schedule: Full-Time

As 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 Here

• Global Presence: Be part of a global company with diverse teams and opportunities to contribute to international projects
• Strong Leadership: Work with experienced leaders who provide direction and support successful project execution
• Employee Empowerment: Join a culture that empowers employees to take initiative and make impactful decisions
• Diverse Projects: Work on a variety of product launches, capital projects, and manufacturing technologies
• Career Advancement: Access clear career paths and opportunities for advancement within the company

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Equivalent combination of technical education and relevant professional experience may be considered
• 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
• Strong project-management, planning, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-management abilities
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams at all organizational levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and collaboratively

Bonus Points If You Have Experience

• Leading automotive launches from RFQ through serial production
• Experience with automation and advanced assembly systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or comparable project-management software
• Experience performing capacity planning and equipment-utilization analysis
• Knowledge of product costing, BOM development, and P&L evaluation
• Experience managing production-line transfers between manufacturing facilities
• Project Management Professional certification or formal project-management training
• Experience supporting multi-site or global manufacturing programs

What We Offer

Johnson 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 team.

Our 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.

About Johnson Electric Group

The Johnson Electric Group is a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro‑mechanical components. It serves a broad range of industries including Automotive, Smart Metering, Medical Devices, Business Equipment, Home Automation, Ventilation, White Goods, Power Tools, Lawn & Garden Equipment, Warehouse Automation, Liquid Cooling and Robotic joints. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employs over 30,000 individuals in over 20 countries worldwide. Johnson Electric Holdings Limited is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 179). For more information, visit johnsonelectric.com. Join our Talent Community!