Manager, Launch (Plant) - II

Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc. in Spartanburg, SC seeks a Plant Launch Manager to lead the plant team for programs, products or processes.

You will coordinate cross-functional activities, deliver tooling, run at rate, and ensure customer requirements and MRDs are met. This role reports to the Plant Manager and collaborates with the Program Manager and Program Team to drive on-time launches, improve process efficiency, and maintain safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Lead the plant program management team.
• Experience with automotive program launches and tool readiness.
• Strong leadership and decisive decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintains direct supervision and leadership for the program management team in the plant.
• Leads a cross-functional plant-based program team.
• Executes all plant tasks and deliverables for new product launches including tool release, purchase and installation and commissioning of tooling and equipment.
• Represents the team as the lead manufacturing member of the Program Team.
• Interfacing with the Program Manager, Program Engineer, Program Buyer, Account Manager and Cost Analyst.
• Meets program timing requirements with focus on plant tasks and deliverables.
• Performs gap analysis and roadmaps for plant targets including material, scrap, cycle time, tool cost and capital investment.
• Ensures operational financial targets are met.
• Provides operations support for product builds, testing, process optimization, and run at rate events.
• Represents operations professionally, maintains customer satisfaction, and meets response time, quality, delivery and quality systems expectations.
• Ensures Health & Safety standards are maintained.
• Complies with IATF and ISO 14001 standards.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

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'", 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

Position Type

Regular

Additional Information

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 personal, professional, or via 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.

Remote Status: On-site Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich. USA, is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include sealing, fuel and brake delivery, and fluid transfer systems. Cooper Standard employs approximately 24,000 people globally and operates in 21 countries around the world.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran VEVRAA Federal Contractor