Automotive Launch Program Lead

Beacon Search Group; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Search Group is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead automotive programs from initial development through launch and production. The role involves managing timelines, tooling, budgets, APQP activities, engineering changes, supplier coordination, and customer requirements to deliver programs on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have a strong automotive background with experience managing complex product launches and working cross-functionally with Engineering,

Qualifications

• 8+ years in automotive product design, engineering, or program development.
• 5+ years of automotive program/project management experience.
• Experience managing new product launches, tooling, APQP, engineering changes, suppliers, and customer deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive program timelines covering internal activities, supplier deliverables, tooling, prototypes, and milestones.
• Manage program execution to ensure prototype, sample submission, tooling, and launch requirements are completed on schedule.
• Manage program tooling costs and budgets, including RFQ development, supplier quotations, competitive analysis, and tooling awards.
• Maintain APQP documentation, BOMs, engineering changes, and technical product documentation.
• Coordinate cross-functional supplier selection activities and ensure POs and work orders are processed on time.
• Serve as a key point of contact for customers and participate in meetings, program reviews, and status presentations.
• Maintain open-issues tracking and ensure action items are completed by deadlines.
• Coordinate virtual build workshops with Manufacturing Engineering for new product launches.
• Manage customer part requirements through prototype and pilot production.
• Manage engineering changes from customer request through implementation using change-management processes.
• Identify program risks and develop recovery plans to maintain launch timing.

Skills

Program management

Automotive industry

Cross-functional leadership

APQP

Budgeting

RFQ analysis

Tooling management

Customer requirements

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

APQP software

Job description

Beacon Search Group is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead automotive programs from initial development through launch and production. The role involves managing timelines, tooling, budgets, APQP activities, engineering changes, supplier coordination, and customer requirements to deliver programs on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have a strong automotive background with experience managing complex product launches and working cross-functionally with Engineering,