Manufacturing Launch Manager

Ainsley Search Group; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ainsley Search Group is seeking a Manufacturing Launch Manager to plan, organize, and manage the manufacturing launch function across assembly and production processes. You will provide engineering direction to maximize efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining safety and schedule adherence.

Responsibilities include leading launch activities, ensuring APQP compliance, supporting PFEP/PPAP, developing KPIs, and partnering with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience within manufacturing, engineering, or a combination of engineering and manufacturing; 10+ years is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing projects or programs.
• Hands-on experience with new product development, manufacturing launches, production launches, or modified product launches.
• Previous experience providing direct or indirect leadership to engineering, manufacturing, or technical teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and the relationship between Engineering and Manufacturing Operations.
• Ability to manage projects against timelines, budgets, KPIs, risks, and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for Manufacturing Launch activities.
• Lead the execution of new product, modified product, and production launches, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Drive APQP compliance and ensure required launch deliverables are completed according to established program timelines.
• Support PFEP and PPAP activities throughout the launch process.
• Develop and maintain reporting related to launch readiness, KPIs, project performance, risks, and recovery plans.
• Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and build-process activities to improve manufacturing flow and operational visibility.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to develop and optimize production and assembly processes.
• Analyze workflow, labor requirements, equipment needs, space utilization, and plant layouts to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Develop and support CAPEX requests for manufacturing equipment, assembly processes, tooling, and other production-related investments.
• Maintain and improve manufacturing processes involving equipment, tooling, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and production systems.
• Support the design and implementation of automated manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Materials, Safety, Maintenance, and Facilities.
• Coordinate with external suppliers, vendors, and sister facilities to support successful project and launch execution.
• Participate in Gemba walks and provide hands-on support to production teams during launches and operational challenges.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, efficiency, and productivity.
• Identify project and launch risks and develop appropriate short- and long-term recovery plans.
• Provide leadership with regular updates regarding project milestones, launch readiness, KPIs, risks, budgets, and overall progress.
• Lead and influence technical and cross-functional teams to ensure accountability for project deliverables.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support manufacturing and business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

The Manufacturing Launch Manager will plan, organize and manage the Manufacturing Launch function providing engineering directions or recommendations for the Assembly and Manufacturing Processes, Operations and Production Launch. Focus will be on manufacturing systems, processes, standards, tooling, Launch KPIs, driving APQP compliance, supporting PFEP & PPAP, complete manufacturing process from raw material input to finish product output, all designed to attain maximum production efficiency, effectiveness, productivity, at high-quality standards in cost-effective manner and without compromising Production schedule, Safety & Quality.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for Manufacturing Launch activities.
• Lead the execution of new product, modified product, and production launches, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Drive APQP compliance and ensure required launch deliverables are completed according to established program timelines.
• Support PFEP and PPAP activities throughout the launch process.
• Develop and maintain reporting related to launch readiness, KPIs, project performance, risks, and recovery plans.
• Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and build-process activities to improve manufacturing flow and operational visibility.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to develop and optimize production and assembly processes.
• Analyze workflow, labor requirements, equipment needs, space utilization, and plant layouts to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Develop and support CAPEX requests for manufacturing equipment, assembly processes, tooling, and other production-related investments.
• Maintain and improve manufacturing processes involving equipment, tooling, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and production systems.
• Support the design and implementation of automated manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Materials, Safety, Maintenance, and Facilities.
• Coordinate with external suppliers, vendors, and sister facilities to support successful project and launch execution.
• Participate in Gemba walks and provide hands-on support to production teams during launches and operational challenges.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, efficiency, and productivity.
• Identify project and launch risks and develop appropriate short- and long-term recovery plans.
• Provide leadership with regular updates regarding project milestones, launch readiness, KPIs, risks, budgets, and overall progress.
• Lead and influence technical and cross-functional teams to ensure accountability for project deliverables.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support manufacturing and business objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience within manufacturing, engineering, or a combination of engineering and manufacturing; 10+ years is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing projects or programs.
• Hands-on experience with new product development, manufacturing launches, production launches, or modified product launches.
• Previous experience providing direct or indirect leadership to engineering, manufacturing, or technical teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and the relationship between Engineering and Manufacturing Operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects against timelines, budgets, KPIs, risks, and deliverables.
• Ability to effectively lead and influence cross-functional stakeholders throughout a large manufacturing organization.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and project leadership skills.

Preferred

• 2+ years of dedicated manufacturing launch experience.
• Experience within automotive manufacturing, including OEM, Tier 1, or Tier 2 environments.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, and PFEP.
• Working knowledge of DFM, DFA, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Experience developing and implementing assembly and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, including forming, finishing, welding, steel/aluminum fabrication, and material handling.
• Exposure to automation and robotics within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping, Gemba, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Exposure to AutoCAD, 2D, or 3D modeling/design tools is beneficial but not required.