Launch Manager

Beacon Search Group; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Search Group is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead automotive programs from initial development through launch and production. The role involves managing timelines, tooling, budgets, APQP activities, engineering changes, supplier coordination, and customer requirements to deliver programs on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have a strong automotive background with experience managing complex product launches and working cross-functionally with Engineering,

Qualifications

• 8+ years in automotive product design, engineering, or program development.
• 5+ years of automotive program/project management experience.
• Experience managing new product launches, tooling, APQP, engineering changes, suppliers, and customer deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive program timelines covering internal activities, supplier deliverables, tooling, prototypes, and milestones.
• Manage program execution to ensure prototype, sample submission, tooling, and launch requirements are completed on schedule.
• Manage program tooling costs and budgets, including RFQ development, supplier quotations, competitive analysis, and tooling awards.
• Maintain APQP documentation, BOMs, engineering changes, and technical product documentation.
• Coordinate cross-functional supplier selection activities and ensure POs and work orders are processed on time.
• Serve as a key point of contact for customers and participate in meetings, program reviews, and status presentations.
• Maintain open-issues tracking and ensure action items are completed by deadlines.
• Coordinate virtual build workshops with Manufacturing Engineering for new product launches.
• Manage customer part requirements through prototype and pilot production.
• Manage engineering changes from customer request through implementation using change-management processes.
• Identify program risks and develop recovery plans to maintain launch timing.

Skills

Program management

Automotive industry

Cross-functional leadership

APQP

Budgeting

RFQ analysis

Tooling management

Customer requirements

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

APQP software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead automotive programs from initial development through launch and production. This position will be responsible for managing program timelines, tooling, budgets, APQP activities, engineering changes, supplier coordination, and customer requirements to ensure programs are delivered on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have a strong automotive background with experience managing complex product launches and working cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Suppliers, and Customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive program timelines covering internal activities, supplier deliverables, tooling, prototypes, and customer milestones.
• Manage program execution to ensure prototype, sample submission, tooling, and launch requirements are completed on schedule.
• Manage program tooling costs and budgets, including RFQ development, supplier quotations, competitive analysis, and tooling awards.
• Maintain APQP documentation, Bills of Material (BOM), engineering change tracking, and technical product documentation.
• Coordinate cross-functional supplier selection activities and ensure purchase orders and work orders are processed accurately and on time.
• Serve as a key point of contact for customers and participate in customer meetings, program reviews, and status presentations.
• Maintain open-issues tracking and ensure action items are assigned, monitored, and completed according to program deadlines.
• Coordinate virtual build workshops with Manufacturing Engineering for new product launches.
• Manage customer part requirements through prototype and pilot production.
• Manage engineering changes from customer request through implementation using established change-management processes.
• Identify program risks and work cross-functionally to develop recovery plans and maintain launch timing.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Suppliers to ensure successful program execution.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in automotive product design, engineering, or program development, preferably involving exterior decorative trim.
• 5+ years of automotive program/project management experience.
• Strong experience managing new product launches, tooling, APQP, engineering changes, suppliers, and customer deliverables.
• Experience with automotive product development or launch-tracking software.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Excellent project management, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO quality requirements.
• Experience with automotive exterior trim or similar engineered automotive components.