Sr. Manager, Program / Launch (ISG)

Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.; Northville (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc. in Michigan Northville seeks a Launch Program Manager to ensure flawless execution of new program launches.

You will lead cross‑functional teams across engineering, program management, sales, and manufacturing to meet 0-0-100-100-30 launch metrics and maintain CLauS compliance. You will develop and manage a launch dashboard, oversee timely reporting, drive risk mitigation, and ensure adherence to quality and environmental standards while coordinating with plant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field.
• 10+ years in automotive or industrial manufacturing with program/launch management.
• Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel between facilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage CLauS-compliant launch processes at plant level.
• Lead programs to ensure on-time execution of launches including equipment, run-off, and production release.
• Oversee hiring, training, PPAP milestones, and customer requirements.
• Provide cross-functional interaction with Program Manager, Engineer, Buyer, Account Manager, and Finance.
• Develop and maintain launch dashboards; drive risk mitigation and timing adherence.
• Support prototypes, process optimization, and lean/6-sigma initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Communication

Risk mitigation

Lean / Six Sigma

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Manufacturing / Operations Management

Tools

APQP/PPAP processes

Manufacturing ERP systems

Job description

Overview

Position Summary: Ensure flawless execution of new program launches within the ISG business portfolio. Ensure implementation and adherence to the Cooper Standard Launch Management System (CLauS) and lead cross‑functional teams composed of engineering, program management, sales, and manufacturing to achieve 0‑0‑100‑100‑30 launch metrics (0 Safety Incidents, 0 Customer rejections, 100% on‑time delivery, 100% achievement of charter metrics through 30 days of Launch). Meet with matrixed staff to oversee and be deeply involved in all program launches. Work with process leads to develop and manage a launch dashboard for timely reporting and manage program status, and collaborate with the cross‑functional team and project leads to develop and drive risk mitigation efforts.

Primary Responsibilities

• Designated process owner with authority to coordinate and manage processes, including all inputs and outputs.
• Lead and oversee programs and projects assigned to the department, ensuring on‑time execution of CLauS at the plant level, covering equipment purchasing, installation, run‑off, and release for production.
• Manage on‑time hiring and training of personnel, Power Build planning and execution, and meet customer PPAP requirements and milestones.
• Lead engineering changes directed by the customer and internal changes directed by manufacturing plants and Tier II suppliers.
• Provide support during the quoting process and serve as a core member of the program team with strong interaction and communication with Program Manager, Program Engineer, Program Buyer, Account Manager, and Finance.
• Ensure program timing execution and prioritize customer milestones.
• Generate GAP analysis and roadmaps to achieve plant financial goals for new products, including production control and logistics, scrap, labor, launch cost budget, margin, and VCM.
• Provide support during the manufacture of prototypes, new products, test, process optimization, run at rates, and variation analysis.
• Maintain customer and internal systems to meet program requirements, ensuring customer satisfaction and compliance with quality management system standards.
• Identify and support the implementation of Lean and Continuous Improvement or cost‑saving methodologies, lead 3P events, and ensure 6‑σ, safety, and environmental standards for new launch projects.
• Comply with policies and procedures pertaining to facility‑ or division‑adopted standards such as IATF 16949 and ISO 14001.
• Maintain open and clear communication with the cross‑functional team and perform any other functions assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in automotive or industrial manufacturing, with increasing responsibility in program management, launch management, manufacturing operations, or a combination of these areas.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly between manufacturing facilities.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, APQP, PPAP, customer launch requirements, and cross‑functional program execution.
• Experience in automotive companies, preferably with launch experience.

Work Environment & Conditions

Time is divided between a general office and operations environments. Travel to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and potentially customers is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and is 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 that values diversity, encourages inclusion, and fosters belonging. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.