Senior Launch Program Manager

What you'll do:

• Lead and manage the production launch of new products, ensuring that all launch processes and readiness activities are meticulously planned, coordinated, and executed to meet launch timelines and quality standards
• Partner closely with Technical Program Managers (TPMs) to ensure a smooth transition from new product development to production, aligning strategies and objectives to drive successful launches
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, warehouse, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to coordinate and align launch readiness activities and ensure operational preparedness
• Work closely with supply chain and warehouse teams to assess and optimize inventory levels, coordinate procurement of necessary components, and ensure seamless material availability to support new product launches
• Lead manufacturing readiness assessments to ensure that production facilities, equipment, and processes are prepared and aligned to support the product launch
• Develop comprehensive launch readiness plans that outline tasks, timelines, resources, and dependencies, ensuring all teams are aligned and well-prepared for product launches
• Identify potential risks associated with production implementation and launch readiness, developing proactive strategies to mitigate risks and prevent delays
• Collaborate with the Change Control team to help facilitate the change management processes related to production implementation, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across teams
• Define, monitor and track the progress of launch readiness activities, addressing any deviations from the plan and ensuring that production processes are on track
• Develop robust communication and management operating system to provide updates on launch readiness status, potential challenges, and mitigation strategies across stakeholders at all levels
•  Continuously evaluate launch readiness processes and production implementation procedures, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and streamline operations
• Provide strategic leadership to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and driving continuous improvement efforts

Skills to be successful:

• Proven experience in program management and launching new hardware product, with a focus on production implementation
• Experience in product development in a manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving skills, able to identify and solve complex problems
• Strong leadership skills, able to motivate and inspire teams to achieve project goals
• Experience managing complex cross-functional programs in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience in project management, including creating and managing project plans, identifying and managing risks, and working with cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Detail-oriented approach to ensure accuracy and precision in launch readiness activities
• Adaptability and resilience to manage multiple projects and changing priorities
• Proficient in project management software, such as Jira, Smartsheets, or similar tools

Nice to haves:

• Experience in product development in a manufacturing environment
• Experience launching new production facilities 
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain management
• Knowledge or expertise in vehicle electrification or automotive
• Proficient in project management software, such as Jira, Smartsheets, or similar tools
• Working knowledge of ERP & BOM management software (PDM and PLM Tools)

We currently use:

• PDM: SolidWorks 
• PLM: Arena 
• ERP: NetSuite
• Work Mgmt Tools: Jira & Smartsheets
• BI & Analytics: Tableau