Launch Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is a global leather supplier to leading automotive brands and they have a challenging role available for a Launch Manager. The successful candidate will be based in Nigel, Gauteng.

POSITION INFO:
Responsibilities:

• Supplying the applicable technical information to the operations, sourced by the customer/commercial managers, ensuring that process specifications and BOMs fulfil customer expectations.
• Planning, management and timing of all Prototypes and Production Trial Runs.
• Managing on-site the Launching Timelines during the five phases of APQP and for the Retan, Finishing and Cutting activities, according to the project scope.
• To conduct follow up visits to Trim Plants for major launch events (CV, PAN-1, NS, etc.) as required.
• Follow-up lab testing and product requirements for all new products.
• Receive the Program Input Matrix from the Commercial Manager and share it with the plants after validation as the official kick-off of APQP phase 1.
• Receive the preliminary HOB from PD and share it to the APQP areas.
• Manage the validation of Leather (Crust and Finishing) engineering changes directed by the customer.
• To manage the Cutting plants Major Engineering Changes
• To share updated laboratory specifications to Product Development Managers and Laboratory Managers.
• To ensure the right fulfilling of the Gate 5 for every plant after 30, 60 and 90 days after SOP.

• Four-year degree with 3 to 7 years’ experience in operations with a passion for the manufacturing floor, processes and products.
• Technical knowledge in terms of leather, cutting and VAP’s.
• Must be comfortable communicating across as well as up and down an organization.
• Must possess self-confidence but be a team-player.