Launch Manager

Lear Corporation EEDS & Interiors; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Lear Corporation is seeking a Launch Manager for our Detroit facility with a path to Kentucky through Q1 2028 for permanent placement. You will lead successful product launches, ensure quality and on-time delivery, and align production readiness with customer milestones.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least five years in automotive product launches or program management, plus APQP/PPAP, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and MS Office experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with minimum five years of automotive related product launch or program management experience.
• Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge and experience working with TS 16949, IATF 16949, APQP and PPAP.
• Proven experience using Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping.
• Strong attention to detail with accuracy.
• Good organizational skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Forward thinking with ability to plan ahead and deliver results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite programs and presenting to customers and upper management.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the product meets or exceeds Company quality standard and is delivered at the right time.
• Facilitates communication among functional department representatives.
• Alerts management of program risks and mitigates impact.
• Assists in preparation of materials for team meetings.
• Helps address and resolve program roadblocks with functional managers.
• Leads the program during launch approach phase and beyond.
• Ensures production line readiness to start production aligned to launch milestones.
• Provides leadership for continuous improvement post launch.
• Ensures documentation requirements are met.
• Recommends and leads process improvement initiatives.
• Compiles data and prepares reports and presentations.
• Reconciles records with employees, vendors or customers and resolves discrepancies.

Skills

Project management

Quality standards

APQP/PPAP

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We work hard for the people who work for us. We champion our teams and foster collaboration, inclusion, respect and excellence. Because we want to be more for you.

A path to a better career. A better future.

Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, manufactured millions of products and earned a long list of awards. Year after year, we're named one of the World's Most Admired Companies.

They're the secret to our success-empowered, inventive and inclusive. Passionate about their craft. Driven to succeed. Because we win together.

Are you ready for a better career? A better future?

Job Description

LAUNCH MANAGER

DETROIT STA / KENTUCKY PERM LONG TERM

Location Notice: This role will be located in Detroit, MI through 2027 for training and prototype support. The position will transition to Kentucky in Q1 2028 for permanent placement.

The Launch Manager at our manufacturing facility is responsible for executing successful product launches and is responsible for assisting the execution of products under development to ensure all objectives are fulfilled.

Responsibilities

The Role:

Your work will include, but not be limited to:

• Ensures the product meets or exceeds Company quality standard and is delivered at the right time.
• Facilitates the communication and interaction amongst the functional department representatives.
• Alerts management of program risks in an appropriate timeframe; continuously identifies risk factors and seeks to mitigate adverse impact.
• Assists in preparation of materials for team meetings.
• Helps address and resolve program "roadblocks" through the appropriate functional managers or functional directors.
• Accepts leadership of the program during launch approach phase and beyond.
• Ensures the Company's production line is ready to start production aligning to the customer's launch milestone.
• Provides leadership for continuous improvement activities post launch.
• Ensures internal and external documentation requirements are met.
• Recommend and lead efforts to improve existing processes to improve the business.
• Compiles data and prepares a variety of reports and presentations.
• Reconciles records with internal company employees and management, external vendors or customers.
• Recommends actions to resolve discrepancies.

Experience Requirements

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with minimum five years of automotive related product launch or program management experience.
• Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge and experience working with TS 16949, IATF 16949, APQP and PPAP
• Proven experience using common continuous improvement tools (i.e. Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, etc.)
• Strong attention to detail with accuracy.
• Good organizational skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Forward thinking individual with the ability to plan ahead and deliver results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to be an effective team member and display initiative.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite programs with ability to create presentation material and present to customers and upper management.

Experience Continued

Bonus If You Have:

• Automotive Seating Experience
• Experience supporting a Stellantis product launch
• MBA or Master's degree in a related field
• Solid understanding and ability to use multiple problem-solving tools such as: Fishbone and Ishikawa Diagrams, 8-D's, Is / Is Not, 5 Why's, etc.
• Knowledge of seating systems; lean manufacturing techniques, and just in time environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lear Corporation is committed to fair, meritbased employment practices and equal opportunity.

We provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.