Launch Manager – Automotive Plastics & Molding

Key People; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discounts

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Referral Program

Job Promotional Opportunities

Climate controlled environment

Job summary

Key People is seeking an experienced LaunchManager to lead and coordinate all aspects of new product launches, engineering changes, and customer program transfers in an automotive plastic injection molding environment. This role partners with customers and internal teams to ensure launches meet quality, cost, and timing targets.

Applicants should have 5+ years in automotive manufacturing and 3+ years in project/launch management, with strong APQP/PPAP and CAD/tools proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3 years of project management, launch management, engineering, or operations leadership experience.
• Experience in plastic injection molding preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and IATF 16949.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willing and able to travel as necessary.
• Proficient in CAD software, and project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead all activities associated with new product launches and program transfers.
• Develop and maintain launch timelines and project plans.
• Coordinate APQP and PPAP activities.
• Lead cross-functional launch meetings and readiness reviews.
• Manage customer-specific launch requirements.
• Coordinate engineering changes and product transfers.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness including tooling, equipment, staffing, and training.
• Support production trials, mold qualifications, and run-at-rate activities. Monitor launch budgets and capital expenditures.
• Conduct post-launch reviews and continuous improvement activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Launch management

Microsoft Office

CAD software

Project management tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CAD software

Project management tools

Job description

Key People is seeking an experienced LaunchManager to lead and coordinate all aspects of new product launches, engineering changes, and customer program transfers in an automotive plastic injection molding environment. This role partners with customers and internal teams to ensure launches meet quality, cost, and timing targets.

Applicants should have 5+ years in automotive manufacturing and 3+ years in project/launch management, with strong APQP/PPAP and CAD/tools proficiency.