Launch Manager

LEAR CORPORATION; Detroit, Northern (MI, KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

LEAR CORPORATION in Detroit, MI leads launches for automotive products, transitioning work to Kentucky in 2028. The Launch Manager ensures on-time delivery, quality adherence and cross-functional coordination from training through permanent placement.

You will manage risks, prepare materials for meetings, and drive improvements while aligning production with customer milestones and documentation requirements.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Prioritization

Detail oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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, merit‑based employment practices and equal opportunity.

We provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.