Manufacturing Launch Manager

Reading Truck Group; Reading, Northern (Berks County, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Reading Truck Group in Reading, PA is seeking a Manufacturing Launch Manager to plan, organize and manage the Manufacturing Launch function, directing engineering and production activities to achieve high efficiency, quality and on-time delivery.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing/engineering in metal fabrication, APQP experience, and leadership of projects; you will collaborate with design, materials, safety, and production teams and drive continuous improvement, with a focus on Lean,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required.
• 10+ years of manufacturing or engineering experience in sheet metal fabrication; automotive exposure preferred.
• 2+ years in manufacturing launch; APQP experience a plus.
• Experience leading teams of engineers and technical staff.
• Experience launching new or modified production and automated processes.
• Knowledge of DFM, DFA, PFMEA, CP concepts preferred.
• Program/project management and lean manufacturing familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day directions to Manufacturing Launch Management.
• Drive APQP compliance and ensure deliverables align with launch timelines.
• Support PFEP & PPAP and track launch KPIs and risks.
• Lead VSM and Build Process activities with visual indicators.
• Maintain records to optimize production, safety, and quality.
• Improve efficiency by planning workflow and equipment layout.
• Develop CAPEX for assembly and projects.
• Collaborate with design, materials, and safety teams.
• Participate in Gemba walks and lean initiatives.
• Keep leadership updated on project metrics and progress.
• Estimate and execute projects within budget and on time.

Skills

APQP

Lean Manufacturing

PFMEA

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology

Job description

201 Hancock Blvd, Reading, PA 19611, USA

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM

How You Will Make an Impact

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.

The Nuts and Bolts

• Provide day-to-day directions to Manufacturing Launch Management department
• Drive APQP compliance, ensure all relevant deliverables are completed as per program or launch timeline
• Support PFEP & PPAP. Provide management reports that track Performance, Lauch Preparedness & Risks, Launch KPIs and Recovery plans for short-term or long-term goals and new/modified product launches.
• Lead the VSM and Build Process activities including creation of visual indicators of operating conditions
• Maintain records for production processes, equipment, tooling, gauges, jigs, and fixtures to optimize manufacturing processes, including safety, quality and efficiency by studying product requirements and applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials
• Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
• Develop capital equipment requests (CAPEX’s) for assembly and manufacturing projects
• Design and analyze labor and space requirements, product design, quality requirements, workflow, layout of equipment and workspace to maximize efficiency, consistency and effectiveness of manufacturing and assembly operations and projects
• Collaborate with design, materials, supply chain, safety, quality and production teams
• Collocate with various Vendors, Supplier and our sister units.
• Actively participate in Gemba walks and provide support to the production teams
• Support and participate in lean initiatives by developing assembly and manufacturing processes to further improve continuous safety, product quality and productivity
• Keep the leadership regularly updated of the key metrics and progress of each project
• Perform other duties as required or directed by the management
• Responsible for estimating and executing projects with KPIs, within budget and on time

Required Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in technical field (Engineering or Technology)
• Ten plus (10+) years of total experience- in manufacturing or engineering & manufacturing combined in sheet metal fabrication industry. Automotive Experience is a plus
• Two plus (2+) years of experience in manufacturing launch. Experience in APQP is a plus
• Experience in leading (directly or indirectly) a team of Projects Engineers, Manufacturing and /or Industrial engineers, technical support engineers, Maintenance and Facilities support
• Experience in launching production of new or modified products and implementing automated processes
• Experience with DFM, DFA, PFMEA, CP and their applications is preferred
• Experience with Program / Project Management and Lean Manufacturing is preferred

How We Make an Impact

At Reading Truck, we have more than 65 years of industry leadership in the manufacture, distribution, and enhancement of work truck bodies. As the world’s largest upfitter of work trucks, we continue to experience rapid growth through our expanding network of more than 20 locations across North America. Take the next step in your career and come get paid to play with trucks!

Some of Our Total Rewards

We offer big company perks with small company culture:

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision and Life
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• Tools Purchase Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Generous Footwear, Eyewear, and Safety Equipment Discount Program
• Paid Training and Development Programs

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

201 Hancock Blvd, Reading, PA 19611, USA