Manager, Launch (Plant) - II

Cooper Standard Automotive; Sherman Park (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard Automotive is seeking a Plant Launch Manager to lead the plant team for programs, products, or process launches. You will oversee all plant tasks, deliverables, and events, reporting to the Plant Manager and coordinating with the Program Manager and Program Team.

The role requires strong leadership in a cross-functional setting, deep knowledge of manufacturing disciplines, and a track record in automotive program execution.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• Experience in Engineering and/or Manufacturing preferred.
• Minimum of five years of automotive industry experience; at least two years in a leadership role.
• Ability to make decisions impacting timing, quality, profitability, and key metrics.
• Experience across Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Materials/Logistics, Tooling Engineering, and Shop Floor Management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the plant program management team and cross-functional plant-based program team.
• Execute all plant tasks and deliverables for new product launches including tooling and equipment release and run-at-rate activities.
• Represent operations as the lead manufacturing member of the Program Team and interface with multiple stakeholders.
• Meet program timing requirements with focus on plant tasks and deliverables.
• Conduct gap analyses and create roadmaps for plant targets including cost and capital investments.
• Support product builds, testing, process optimization, and variation studies.
• Maintain professional representation of operations and ensure customer satisfaction and timely communication.
• Ensure housekeeping and Health & Safety standards and compliance with IATF and ISO 14001.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering

Job description

Position Summary:

The Plant Launch Manager leads the plant team for a program, product or process launch. Responsible for all plant tasks, deliverables and events via the plant team. Reports directly to the Plant Manager; works closely with the Program Manager and Program Team. Functions as Program Manager for internal plant projects and regional programs for programs of limited scope and complexity.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintains direct supervision and leadership for program management team in the plant
• Leads a cross -functional plant-based program team
• Is responsible to execute all ClauS deliverables, specifically all plant tasks and deliverables for new product launches including tool release, purchase and installation and commission of all tooling and equipment, run at rate, hiring and training, Power Builds, all PPAP’s, supplier readiness reviews and meeting all customer requirements and MRDs
• Represents the team as the lead manufacturing member of the Program Team. Interface with the Program Manager, Program Engineer, Program Buyer, Account Manager, and Cost Analyst
• Meeting program timing requirements for the total program, but with special focus on plant tasks and deliverables
• Gap analysis and roadmaps for plant targets including material, scrap, production cycle time, tool cost and capital investment. Responsible to meet all operational financial targets
• Provides operations support for product builds, testing, process optimization, run at rate events and variation studies
• Represents operations in a professional way, maintains customer satisfaction, and meets customer expectations for response time, quality products, delivery on time, communication and quality systems
• Ensures Housekeeping and Health & Safety Standards are maintained
• Complies with policies and procedures pertaining to facility or divisional adopted standards such as IATF and ISO 14001
• Utilizes the concepts of continuous improvement including Lean
• Engineering Change, Inter-Company and Proto-type Coordination
• Supports the Quotation Process
• Management of Customer and Cooper Standard Systems within program management requirements
• Influences the level of service and the team’s ability to meet quality and volume objectives in a timely manner
• Applies understanding of the business and how own team contributes to the achievement of results
• May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description

Education and Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor of Science (BA) in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering preferred
• Experience in Engineering and/or Manufacturing will be given preference
• Minimum of five years’ experience in automotive industry. At least two years in a leadership role preferred
• Must make decisions that have a significant impact on the timing and quality of the customer product as well as profitability/cash flow and key operating metrics of the plant
• Experience in a variety of basic operations disciplines: Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Materials and Logistics, Process / Tooling Engineering and Shop Floor Management
• In-depth understanding and application of concepts, theories and principles in own discipline
• Identify & Coordinate the resolution of issues related to programs or processes
• Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary

Work Environment/Work Conditions

• Professional Office Environment
• Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required
• Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers.

Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether via personal, professional, education, or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing [e-mail] with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.