Automotive Program Launch Lead (APQP & Cross-Functional)

Htprof; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision

401K

Bonus potential

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

H.T. Prof Executive Search is seeking a Program Launch Manager for a profitable St. Joseph, MI area automotive manufacturer.

You will lead cross-functional teams from concept to delivery, defining scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource plans while ensuring on-time, within-budget launches. The role requires APQP/PPAP documentation, risk mitigation, quality and regulatory compliance, and regular executive status reporting.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through delivery
• Manage changes and APQP launches with documentation
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial
• Mitigate program risks with data-driven contingency plans
• Ensure quality and regulatory compliance across engineering deliverables
• Provide regular status reports, track KPIs, and lead milestone reviews
• Other duties as directed by management

Skills

Project management

Customer communication

Cross-functional leadership

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

H.T. Prof Executive Search is seeking a Program Launch Manager for a profitable St. Joseph, MI area automotive manufacturer.

You will lead cross-functional teams from concept to delivery, defining scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource plans while ensuring on-time, within-budget launches. The role requires APQP/PPAP documentation, risk mitigation, quality and regulatory compliance, and regular executive status reporting.