Automotive Launch Program Lead

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Dauch Corporation is seeking a Launch Manager to lead time, budget, and activity planning for new automotive programs in Newton, NC. This onsite role requires proactive leadership, strong risk management, and excellence in delivering launches that meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.

The successful candidate will drive cross-functional collaboration, manage plant launch teams, coordinate with suppliers and customers, and implement improved program management practices to ensure

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in program/project management or launch management within the automotive manufacturing industry.
• Experience leading new launch programs and working with automotive Tier 1 or OEM environments.
• Ability to diagnose launch issues using structured problem solving tools.
• Experience with change control processes and budget/cost analyses.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering, management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Disseminates information within assigned work teams.
• Maintains contact with suppliers and customers across Dauch sites.
• Provides interface from plants to Corporate/Regional Program Management.
• Monitors timing on plant launch activities.
• Leads PLT to successful launches and drives cross-functional collaboration.
• Assists in implementing new Program Management practices and procedures.
• Drives cost-out through negotiation and productivity initiatives.
• Tracks timing and reports variances to baseline.
• Organizes build events and coordinates cross-functional resources.

Skills

Problem solving mindset

Change control management

Budget control & cost analysis

Automotive Tier 1 / OEM experience

7-10+ years program/project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Dauch Corporation is seeking a Launch Manager to lead time, budget, and activity planning for new automotive programs in Newton, NC. This onsite role requires proactive leadership, strong risk management, and excellence in delivering launches that meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.

The successful candidate will drive cross-functional collaboration, manage plant launch teams, coordinate with suppliers and customers, and implement improved program management practices to ensure