Launch Manager
Thyssenkrupp · Hamilton
thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio USA. thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America supplies products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers. Our Aftermarket operations are based out of Poway, CA and our Motorsports operations are based out of Mooresville, NC.
For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with high tech in suspension design, driving comfort, and safety. In order to expand this position BILSTEIN became a division of thyssenkrupp Technologies AG in 1988, and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2005. This partnership has enabled us to continue the BILSTEIN tradition of excellence.
Summary:
The Launch Manager leads the successful introduction of new products, engineering changes, manufacturing processes, and equipment transfers within the OEM automotive business. The role serves as the primary link between Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to ensure production readiness, flawless launch execution, and achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Launch Management
- Lead product launches, engineering changes, and special build activities from planning through production.
- Develop and manage project plans, milestones, timelines, and deliverables.
- Drive cross-functional teams to meet launch objectives for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction.
- Identify, mitigate, and resolve launch risks to ensure successful program execution.
- Ensure smooth production ramp-up with zero safety incidents, minimal defects, and on-time delivery.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Coordinate activities across Program Management, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership.
- Lead launch reviews, track action items, and communicate project status.
- Provide leadership updates on program progress, risks, and corrective actions.
Manufacturing Readiness
- Ensure equipment, processes, materials, and personnel are ready for production.
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to validate manufacturing capability and production readiness.
- Coordinate training, production trials, and operational handoffs.
- Manage material readiness, logistics planning, and inventory ramp-up/ramp-down activities.
Product Lifecycle & Continuous Improvement
- Coordinate prototype builds, production trials, production submissions, and BOM readiness.
- Support change management and transition programs into serial production.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for launch and manufacturing issues.
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 8D, and other structured problem-solving methods.
- Monitor and improve key performance metrics including throughput, scrap, OEE, productivity, and launch performance.
Position Impact
This role is critical to deliver successful product launches and operational initiatives that improve manufacturing performance, customer satisfaction, and business results in a fast-paced automotive supplier environment.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Significant experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably within a Tier 1 supplier or OEM environment.
- Proven success leading new product launches, manufacturing implementation projects, or program management activities.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production flow, line balancing, OEE, error-proofing, and process optimization and Statistical Process Control (SPC);
- Experience with customer launch processes, APQP, PPAP, and automotive quality requirements.
- Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, project management tools, and ERP systems such as SAP.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Six Sigma certification or equivalent problem-solving expertise.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams within a complex manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of CAD software and manufacturing process design principles.
The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bilstein has great benefits to offer!
- A state-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
- Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options.
- 401K matching program.
- Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
- Paid volunteer hours.
- Tuition reimbursement program.
- Gym reimbursement.
- Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
- Internal growth opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Discounted BILSTEIN products.