Automotive Program Launch Lead

Henderson Group Recruiting; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

401K

Medical benefits

Dental and vision

Job summary

Henderson Group Recruiting in the Saint Joseph, MI area is seeking a Program Launch Manager to lead high-impact automotive program launches and accelerate career growth within a profitable supplier environment.

The role focuses on end-to-end project execution, APQP-based launches, and cross-functional leadership across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams. Requires 3–5 years in program management and automotive exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; experience may substitute
• 3–5 years in a program management role
• Background in manufacturing or process engineering
• Experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments; automotive suppliers preferred
• Project management experience including timelines and budgets
• Experience communicating directly with customers
• Experience with launch documentation such as APQP, PPAPs, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through delivery by defining scope, milestones, budgets, and resources
• Oversee design and manufacturing changes, using APQP standards to guide launches and documentation
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial groups to define requirements and remove roadblocks
• Identify and mitigate design, supply, or timeline risks with data-driven contingency plans
• Ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance across deliverables
• Provide regular status reports and KPI tracking to senior leadership and customers; drive process improvements
• Occasionally spend time on the manufacturing floor up to 40% of the day

Skills

Project management

Customer communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Henderson Group Recruiting in the Saint Joseph, MI area is seeking a Program Launch Manager to lead high-impact automotive program launches and accelerate career growth within a profitable supplier environment.

The role focuses on end-to-end project execution, APQP-based launches, and cross-functional leadership across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams. Requires 3–5 years in program management and automotive exposure.