Program Launch Manager

Riverscape Search Agency; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus potential

401K

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC in Saint Joseph, MI seeks a Program Launch Manager to own and drive high-visibility automotive launches. You will lead engineering programs from concept through delivery, define scope, milestones, and budgets, and work with cross-functional teams to meet ambitious timelines.

You will oversee APQP/PPAPs, manage risks, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and report progress to leadership while supporting continuous improvements in launch workflows.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years in a similar program management role.
• Background in manufacturing or process engineering.
• Experience with launch documentation (APQP, PPAPs).
• Ability to manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end engineering programs from concept to delivery.
• Define scopes, milestones, budgets, and resources for launches.
• Oversee design and manufacturing process updates per APQP standards.
• Direct cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial groups.
• Identify risks and implement contingency plans to protect schedules.
• Ensure quality and regulatory compliance of all deliverables.
• Provide regular status updates and KPI reviews to leadership.

Skills

Project management

Customer communication

Cross-functional work

Leadership

Budget tracking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

APQP/PPAPs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Program Launch Manager

St. Joseph, MI area

Competitive Salary, Bonus, 401K, and More!

Lead high-impact launches and accelerate your career with an automotive powerhouse that's built for rapid growth and long-term stability.

• High-Impact Leadership in an Expanding Operation: Step into a newly created role born directly out of company growth, taking ownership of high-visibility program launches backed by secured new business for next year and beyond.
• Cutting-Edge Automotive Innovation: Drive complex, fast-paced launches utilizing state-of-the-art technology at a consistently profitable, industry-leading automotive supplier.
• Proven Internal Career Mobility: Join an organization genuinely committed to promoting from within, working directly under a General Manager who built a 20-year career path inside the business.
• Exceptional Total Rewards: Benefit from competitive compensation paired with annual bonus potential and a robust benefits package, including multiple comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options.
• Mission-Driven, Tenured Culture: Collaborate with a deeply dedicated, stable workforce that balances the stability of long-term automotive partnerships with the agility of a high-growth environment.

Profitable, growing manufacturer is adding a Program Launch Manager to lead join their team of engineering professionals focused on successfully launching new products. Daily you will report to the Engineering Manager. Responsibilities will include:

• Drive End-to-End Project Execution: Lead engineering programs from concept through delivery by defining project scopes, milestone schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure on-time, within-budget launches.
• Manage Changes & APQP Launches: Oversee design and manufacturing process updates, utilizing APQP standards to guide program launch activities and technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead Cross-Functional Teams: Direct and hold project team members accountable, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to define requirements, remove roadblocks, and execute priorities.
• Mitigate Program Risks: Proactively identify potential design, supply, or timeline bottlenecks and establish data-driven contingency plans to keep critical-path deliverables on schedule.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Champion quality assurance standards across all engineering deliverables to guarantee full compliance with automotive and regulatory requirements.
• Executive Communication & Process Optimization: Provide regular status reports, track KPIs, and lead milestone reviews for senior leadership and customers while driving continuous improvements to streamline internal launch workflows.
• Other duties as directed by management

The qualified candidate will enjoy spending up to 40% of their day on the manufacturing floor, able to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing automotive environment, thrive on driving continuous improvement, be thorough and detail-oriented and able to successfully execute plans and projects. The ability to handle multiple projects at a time is critical.

The company offers EXCELLENT medical benefits (including dental and vision) available after 90 days, short-term and long-term disability, 401K, paid holidays and vacation, tuition reimbursement, life, and BONUS potential.

REQUIREMENTS for the Program Launch Manager:

• 1. Ideally a Bachelor's degree; experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
• 2. At least 3-5 years in a similar program management role
• 3. A background in manufacturing or process engineering
• 4. Experience working in fast-paced manufacturing environments; automotive suppliers are preferred
• 5. Project management experience, including overseeing timelines and budgets
• 6. Experience communicating directly with customers
• 7. Experience with launch documentation, such as APQP, PPAPs, etc.
• 8. Microsoft Office

Skills preferred but NOT required:

• 1. Automated environments
• 2. Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
• 3. Capital equipment project management
• 4. ERP experience
• 5. Machining or GD&T experience

Reasons to work for this organization:

• Multiple plans for medical, dental and vision
• Stable organization in the automotive industry and adding new business
• Annual bonus potential
• New position due to growth
• Cutting edge technology
• Work for a General Manager who has grown with the company and been there almost 20 years
• This company promotes their internal talent

Candidates are preferred to be local to the St. Joseph, MI area. There is a conservative relocation package for regional candidates meeting the requirements.

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