Automotive Program Launch Manager – Onsite Growth & Impact

MJ Recruiters, LLC; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401K

Paid holidays and vacation

Tuition reimbursement

Annual bonus potential

Relocation package

Job summary

MJ Recruiters, LLC is seeking a Program Launch Manager in the Saint Joseph, MI area to lead high-impact automotive product launches. You will drive end-to-end programs from concept to delivery, manage APQP launches, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure quality and compliance.

The role requires 3–5 years in program management, a manufacturing/process engineering background, and strong communication with customers. Local candidates preferred; relocation support available as needed.

Qualifications

• Ideally a Bachelor's degree; experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least 3–5 years in a similar program management role.
• 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, etc.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Drive End-to-End Project Execution: Lead engineering programs from concept through delivery by defining project scopes, milestone schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure on-time, within-budget launches.
• Manage Changes & APQP Launches: Oversee design and manufacturing process updates, utilizing APQP standards to guide program launch activities and technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead Cross-Functional Teams: Direct and hold project team members accountable, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to define requirements, remove roadblocks, and execute priorities.
• Mitigate Program Risks: Proactively identify potential design, supply, or timeline bottlenecks and establish data-driven contingency plans to keep critical-path deliverables on schedule.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Champion quality assurance standards across all engineering deliverables to guarantee full compliance with automotive and regulatory requirements.
• Executive Communication & Process Optimization: Provide regular status reports, track KPIs, and lead milestone reviews for senior leadership and customers while driving continuous improvements to streamline internal launch workflows.
• Other duties as directed by management

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

APQP/PPAP knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

APQP tools

Job description

MJ Recruiters, LLC is seeking a Program Launch Manager in the Saint Joseph, MI area to lead high-impact automotive product launches. You will drive end-to-end programs from concept to delivery, manage APQP launches, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure quality and compliance.

The role requires 3–5 years in program management, a manufacturing/process engineering background, and strong communication with customers. Local candidates preferred; relocation support available as needed.