Automotive Launch Manager - APQP/PPAP Lead

Vogrinc Search Group; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with company match

Employee Discounts

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Referral Program

Job Promotional Opportunities

Climate controlled environment

Job summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Launch Manager to lead and coordinate new product launches, engineering changes and customer program transfers within an automotive plastic injection molding environment. The role serves as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments to ensure launches meet quality, cost, and timing goals.

Responsibilities include developing launch timelines, coordinating APQP/PPAP, leading cross-functional readiness reviews, and managing budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of automotive manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years of project management, launch management, engineering, or operations leadership experience.
• Experience in plastic injection molding preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and IATF 16949.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willing and able to travel as necessary.
• Proficient in CAD software, and project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead all activities related to new product launches and transfers.
• Develop and maintain launch timelines and project plans.
• Coordinate APQP and PPAP activities.
• Lead cross-functional launch meetings and readiness reviews.
• Manage customer-specific launch requirements.
• Coordinate engineering changes and product transfers.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness including tooling, staffing, and training.
• Support production trials, mold qualifications, and run-at-rate activities.
• Monitor launch budgets and capital expenditures.
• Conduct post-launch reviews and continuous improvement.

Skills

Launch management

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Project management tools

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Launch Manager to lead and coordinate new product launches, engineering changes and customer program transfers within an automotive plastic injection molding environment. The role serves as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments to ensure launches meet quality, cost, and timing goals.

Responsibilities include developing launch timelines, coordinating APQP/PPAP, leading cross-functional readiness reviews, and managing budgets.