Lead of Launch Management 73621

ZF LIFETEC; Midland; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ZF LIFETEC in Midland, Ontario seeks a Lead of Launch Management to drive new product introductions from order receipt to production readiness. You will be the primary customer contact during programs, shaping process design and ensuring timely APQP completion.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in automotive launch roles, strong communication and blueprint-reading skills, and a proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver robust, compliant products on schedule.

Qualifications

• Post secondary degree in engineering or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years related experience in automotive launch/coordinator role.
• Strong communication and analytical abilities.
• Experience reading blueprints and working in manufacturing.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA and process design.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall program from order receipt to steady-state production.
• Be principal contact with customer during program implementation.
• Drive APQP and post-SOP activities for timely handoff.
• Lead PFMEA, Control Plan and Process Flow creation.
• Coordinate resources to ensure successful program launch.
• Ensure compliance with IATF16949, ISO14001 and Customer Requirements.
• Promote health, safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Launch management

Program management

APQP

Blueprints reading

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Post Secondary Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

Blueprint reading

CAD

Job description

Your journey to a meaningful career starts with ZF LIFETEC

Lead of Launch Management

Location: Midland, ON, CA, L4R4L5

At ZF LIFETEC, we save lives through cutting-edge technology. With over 60 years of automotive safety innovation, we blend start-up agility with corporate stability to drive meaningful impact worldwide. Operating across 51 locations in 22 countries, our global presence amplifies our mission to make roads safer and save lives.

Join us in a supportive and dynamic environment committed to safety, innovation, and reliability. As a part of our international team, your contributions spark industry-leading innovations in automotive safety. Our inclusive and diverse working environment promotes creativity, career growth, and continuous development.

Objective

Manage overall program / new product introduction from receipt of order to steady state production. Be the principal contact with the customer during program implementation. Be responsible for process design and implementation. Ensure customer satisfaction through timely response to requests. Drive and manage APQP and post SOP activities for timely completion and proper hand off to Production

Your Tasks

• Manage technical aspects of the processes; ensure that process used is suitable for the application, functional and practical.
• Respond immediately to customer requests.
• Ensure a functional, ergonomically sound, practical work cell design/layout/environment. Assist Tooling, Manufacturing engineer, Quality Engineer and the rest of the team with design and implementation.
• Lead the APQP process; solicit advice from the APQP team on program issues. Facilitate the creation of PFMEA, Control Plan and Process Flow.
• Act as liaison between the APQP team and Project Management / Design Engineering corporate functions to ensure timely launches and robustness of product and process design.
• Present APQP management updates on a monthly basis (or as required).
• Provide direction to the Quoting Team for any changes to the product to be supplied. Assist in the quoting of new business as required.
• Match material handling solutions to the overall system being implemented.
• Track and report timing for tool and gauge completion and test samples as part of the program launch.
• Coordinate all resources to ensure a successful launch of the program, meeting or surpassing all customer, Company and financial targets.
• Ensure compliance to IATF16949, ISO14001 and Customer Specific Requirements.
• Promote and comply with health, safety, and environmental standards, safe operating procedures, good housekeeping practices and the observance of protective equipment requirements at all times.
• Initiate and/or participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Follow all work cell/and or department standardized work instructions/procedures.
• Attend authorized training in order to develop and/or maintain relevant job-related knowledge, techniques, skills, and/or certification.
• May be required to carry out job duties and responsibilities in a work environment that may include, but is not limited to, varying levels of noise and/or temperature.
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by Management

Your Profile

• Post Secondary Degree in Engineering or related field preferred or strong technical background.
• Minimum 5 years related experience, preferably in the automotive industry as launch coordinator / program manager.
• Well-developed communication, organizational, interpersonal and analytical abilities.
• Sound computer skills, strong ability in word processing, spreadsheet software, PowerPoint presentations.
• Able to lead and work independently as well as within a group.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly managing or coordination major programs through the APQP process.
• Process knowledge i.e. stamping, plating, molding.
• Technical background in progressive die design and build

Why ZF LIFETEC?

• Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that truly matters.
• Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
• Culture of Excellence: Be part of a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements.
• Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.

Diversity & Inclusion

At ZF LIFETEC, we are committed to building a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued. We welcome unique perspectives and actively work to remove barriers, empowering all employees to reach their full potential. Guided by this vision, we innovate and create life-saving technology that makes a real impact on automotive safety.