Launch Lead

General Motors; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Onsite Arlington TX role

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Launch Lead in Arlington, TX for a senior manufacturing role focused on launch readiness and execution. You will bridge Plant Launch Team, area leadership, manufacturing engineering, product engineering, quality, supply chain, and production operations to ensure safe, timely, and quality builds within takt time.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive launch or high-volume manufacturing, a relevant engineering/ops degree, and the ability to work all shifts with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership in automotive launch or high-volume manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, business, or related field.
• Ability to work across 3 shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, holidays as needed.
• Experience managing large teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-level influence.
• Knowledge of lean principles, safety standards, and plant operations.
• Willingness to travel 50%+ domestically and/or internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead flawless execution of the program deliverables within General Assembly.
• Align General Assembly status with Plant Launch Operations Manager and Area Director.
• Coordinate with Material Launch Manager on material plans for General Assembly.
• Coordinate quality plans with Quality Systems.
• Hold the team to achieve manpower targets and launch milestones.
• Identify and resolve issues to ensure successful launches and clear actions.
• Collaborate across Production and Vehicle Systems for launch readiness.
• Plan and execute layout, process, and equipment deployment.

Skills

Leadership

Automotive launch

Lean manufacturing

Budget management

Communication

Travel up to 50%

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/manufacturing/ops

Job description

Launch Lead

Sponsorship: GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

Please Note: Onsite - This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Arlington, TX on a full-time basis.

Relocation: This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

The Launch Lead is a senior manufacturing professional responsible for leading launch readiness and execution for an assigned plant area, process, or functional discipline. The role serves as the primary connection between the Plant Launch Team, area leadership, manufacturing engineering, product engineering, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and production operations. The Launch Lead translates program requirements into executable plant actions and ensures that the assigned area is prepared to build the product safely, at the required quality level, within takt time, and according to program timing. The role is accountable for identifying launch risk early, coordinating countermeasures, communicating status, and driving issues to closure through Launch Team Release and the transition to stable production. The specific area of responsibility may include Body Shop, Paint, Stamping, General Assembly, Quality, Material, Electrical, Chassis, or another manufacturing function, depending on the launch program and plant structure.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

• The GA Launch Manager is responsible for the flawless execution of the program deliverables within General Assembly Provides Level 1 & 2 outline for all General Assembly Master Dot activities ensuring updates with the appropriate countermeasures.
• Aligns and Communicates General Assembly's status to the Plant Launch Operations Manager and the General Assembly Area Director.
• Works with the Material Launch Manager to help coordinate and validate the material plan for General Assembly.
• Coordinates quality plans with Quality Systems.
• Holds team accountable to achieve manpower targets.
• Identify and resolve issues to ensure a successful launch.
• Cross-Functional leadership & coordination between Production and Vehicle Systems.
• Strategic planning and execution of layout, process, and equipment/technology deployment.
• Trained General Assembly organization.
• Share Lessons Learned for next phases.
• Provides leadership to the General Assembly launch structure.
• Coordinates daily activity of launch personnel.
• Manage all activities between PIT/IRT, facilities, equipment, and budget.
• Establishes plant participation for Validation Center builds and tool shops, for system buyoffs.
• Establishes roles and responsibilities for the General Assembly Launch Team.
• Exhibit active participation as a member of the Launch Team and attends all Launch Team meetings, including the daily build wrap-up meetings.
• Input into pre-production budget requirements: resources, materials, training aids, etc.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 5+ years of progressive leadership in automotive launch or high-volume manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Ability and willingness to work / rotate through all 3 shifts (1st, 2nd & 3rd).
• Ability and willingness to work over-time, weekends, holidays, etc. as needed.
• Proven experience managing large teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence across levels.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing operations, safety standards, and lean principles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic and operational plans.
• Experience with budget management and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with labor agreements and corporate compliance standards.
• Ability to travel 50% of the time or higher based on business needs domestically and/or internationally.

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Prior launch experience as PLOM or launch manager for a department.
• Operated as lead or functioned as staff member.
• Demonstrated high level of analytical ability where the problems are unusual and difficult.
• Demonstrated Industrial Engineering skills and work measurement techniques to drive continuous improvement activities.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.

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