Automotive Plastics Launch Lead — APQP/PPAP Expert

Henderson Group Recruiting; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Employee discounts

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Career advancement opportunities

Climate controlled environment

Job summary

Our client in the Kansas City area seeks an experienced Launch Manager to lead and coordinate all aspects of new product launches, engineering changes, and customer program transfers within an automotive plastic injection molding environment. This role serves as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments to ensure launches meet quality, cost, and timing targets.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in automotive manufacturing and 3+ years in project/launch leadership, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3 years of project management, launch management, engineering, or operations leadership.
• 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 associated with new product launches and program 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, equipment, 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 activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

APQP & PPAP

FMEA & Control Plans

MSA & SPC

IATF 16949

Project leadership

CAD software

MS Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CAD software

Project management tools

Job description

Our client in the Kansas City area seeks an experienced Launch Manager to lead and coordinate all aspects of new product launches, engineering changes, and customer program transfers within an automotive plastic injection molding environment. This role serves as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments to ensure launches meet quality, cost, and timing targets.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in automotive manufacturing and 3+ years in project/launch leadership, with