Plant Launch Program Manager Automotive Manufacturing
Job Description
This role leads plant-level launch execution for new or updated automotive manufacturing programs. You coordinate cross-functional and program resources to ensure a smooth production ramp-up, achievement of cycle time targets, and successful attainment of all program launch objectives. You serve as the central point of accountability for manufacturing readiness, driving alignment across operations, engineering, quality, logistics, purchasing, and advanced manufacturing to deliver a flawless start of production and sustainable performance beyond SOP.
Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and execute all build events, including Run at Rate (R@R) validation and pilot builds, to confirm manufacturing readiness and achievement of key launch milestones.
- Lead plant-level launch execution by coordinating cross-functional and program resources to ensure a smooth production ramp-up and attainment of cycle time and launch performance targets.
- Develop, implement, and manage production power build plans and capacity ramp-up strategies to align manufacturing capability with customer demand at SOP and into steady-state production.
- Drive accountability across plant operations, engineering, quality, logistics, purchasing, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME), and Advanced Quality Engineering (AQE) to ensure timely completion of launch deliverables and adherence to launch glidepaths and program timing.
- Identify, track, and eliminate launch-related barriers that may impact production readiness, product quality, manufacturing cost, or delivery performance, and coordinate corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.
- Lead Launch Readiness Review (LRR) meetings with cross-functional teams to validate launch preparedness, assess risks, and secure formal approval for production start-up.
- Monitor launch budget, cost, and overall financial performance of the program at the plant level, escalating issues and driving cost-effective solutions where needed.
- Coordinate logistics readiness activities in alignment with program gate requirements, ensuring material flow, packaging solutions, and supply chain readiness meet manufacturing and customer expectations.
- Ensure logistics and supply chain activities comply with program gate requirements and support on-time, quality-compliant material delivery to the production line.
- Prepare and publish launch performance reports for up to three months post-SOP, clearly communicating launch status, key risks, and corrective actions to stakeholders.
- Consolidate and maintain comprehensive plant launch dashboards and reporting systems to provide visibility into program readiness, risk mitigation actions, and launch progress.
- Drive accountability across cross-functional teams for completion of all launch-related deliverables, ensuring adherence to committed timelines and program objectives.
- Support continuous improvement of launch processes, tools, and best practices to enhance future program execution, leveraging lessons learned from current and past launches.
- Collaborate with engineering and continuous improvement teams to integrate design, process, and quality enhancements into launch planning and execution.
- Coordinate with quality and manufacturing engineering to validate production readiness, including APQP and PPAP deliverables, and ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.
Essential Skills
- Proven experience in automotive manufacturing environments, with direct involvement in plant-level program launches and production ramp-ups.
- Strong program management skills, including planning, coordination, and execution of complex, cross-functional launch activities.
- Manufacturing engineering experience or substantial experience working closely with manufacturing engineering teams in an automotive setting.
- Hands-on experience with launch support activities, including Run at Rate (R@R), pilot builds, and production readiness validations.
- Working knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes and requirements in automotive manufacturing.
- Working knowledge of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and its application to validating production readiness and quality compliance.
- Solid understanding of automotive quality standards and their impact on launch planning, process validation, and ongoing production performance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate activities across operations, engineering, quality, logistics, purchasing, and continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical skills to identify launch-related risks and barriers, track performance metrics, and develop effective mitigation plans.
- Excellent communication and reporting skills, with the ability to prepare clear dashboards, performance summaries, and stakeholder updates.
- Ability to drive accountability and maintain focus on launch glidepaths, program timing, and deliverable completion in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience launching programs with major automotive OEMs such as BMW or VW is preferred.
- Experience with other automotive OEMs such as Tesla, Ford, or GM is considered a strong plus.
- Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies and tools, particularly as they relate to launch processes and production optimization.
- Familiarity with structured program gate processes and stage-gate governance in automotive manufacturing.
- Comfort working with cross-functional stakeholders at multiple levels within a plant and program organization.
Work Environment
This position operates in a dynamic automotive manufacturing plant environment, closely integrated with operations, engineering, quality, logistics, and purchasing functions. You will spend time both on the production floor and in office or meeting settings, leading Launch Readiness Reviews, coordinating build events, and monitoring dashboards and performance metrics. The role involves working with standard manufacturing technologies, production equipment, and quality systems, as well as program management and reporting tools. Work hours typically follow standard full-time schedules, with flexibility required around major launch events, pilot builds, and Run at Rate activities. The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a strong focus on safety, product quality, and on-time delivery.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sparta, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $62.50/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sparta, TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Sparta,TN.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.