Manufacturing Launch Manager

J.B. Poindexter & Co.; Reading, Northern (Berks County, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Training programs

Job summary

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. in Reading, PA, is seeking a Manufacturing Launch Manager to plan and manage the launch of new and modified products, driving APQP compliance and manufacturing process optimization.

You will lead teams, collaborate with design, materials, safety and quality, track KPIs, and ensure on-time delivery while maintaining safety and quality standards. This role requires 10+ years in manufacturing/engineering, leadership experience, and knowledge of PFEP, PPAP, DFMA; a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in technical field (Engineering or Technology).
• 10+ years in manufacturing or engineering & manufacturing in sheet metal fabrication.
• 2+ years in manufacturing launch; APQP experience a plus.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams of engineers and technicians.
• Experience launching production of new or modified products; automated processes.
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA, PFMEA, CP applications.
• Experience with program/project management and lean manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day directions to Manufacturing Launch Management department.
• Drive APQP compliance and complete deliverables on program timelines.
• Support PFEP & PPAP; track KPIs and launch risks.
• Lead VSM and build process activities with visual indicators.
• Maintain records for processes, tooling, gauges for efficiency.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency by planning workflow and layout.
• Develop CAPEX requests for assembly projects.
• Design labor/space requirements to maximize effectiveness.
• Collaborate with design, materials, safety, quality and production teams.
• Collaborate with vendors and sister units; participate in Gemba walks.
• Support lean initiatives to improve safety, quality and productivity.
• Keep leadership updated on key metrics and project progress.
• Perform duties as needed and manage budgets/time commitments.

Skills

Leadership

APQP

Lean Manufacturing

Program/Project Management

PFMEA

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or 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