Launch Manager

The primary responsibilities of this position are to direct, coordinate and assist in the planning, organization, control, integration and completion of plant-based activities for new program launches. The Launch Manager will also need to maintain a leadership role within cross-functional teams to ensure a successful launch of all new programs while adhering to TENPLUS and IATF16949 procedures and activities within Tenneco.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be able to commit to following projects through until completion -- the life cycle of responsibility spans from project screening to steady-state production and a successful project review meeting.

• Review launch plans with respect to labor, floor space, workflow, and layout.

• Ensure PPAP and SOP (start of production) are on time, all milestones are green, and production quality and efficiency have not met stated levels.

• Direct launch teams and assist plant management to ensure adherence to NPIS and APQP guidelines, review product design for compliance and engineering principles.

• Establish priorities, set goals, plan work assignments, establish deadlines and carry out tasks to completion.

• Provide monthly verbal program status reviews to the plant management.

• Attend meetings with customers, present data, and obtain information from customers to ensure a successful launch.

• Maintain plant-based BOS metric (projects on-time) and present at BOS or plant wide meetings when required.

• Confer with planning, process engineering and design staff concerning product, design, and tooling to ensure safe, capable and efficient production methods.

• Evaluate and assist in design changes, specifications and drawing releases.

• Responsible for all plant-based aspects of new product development and launch.

• Assist process engineers and launch team in review of vendor specifications and equipment purchase plans.

• Monitor progress of suppliers of equipment and production parts to ensure on-time delivery and correct PPAP documentation.

• Initiate, coordinate and check Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs) for program-related equipment and tooling. Perform these functions for High-Level CARs when required.

• Support and adhere to EH&S policies and procedures.

• Support TENPLUS and IATF16949, APQP and other applicable procedures and policies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing environment or combination of the education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office products.

• Program management or project management introduction experience.

• Working knowledge and application of TA tools (BOS, 8D, Lean, Six Sigma, EVA, TVM)

• Ability to lead and function in a team environment, while effectively communicating across various levels of the organization.

• Ability to write concise reports and present information to management and customer groups.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

• Work with little direction (other than standard procedures).

• Demonstrate a dedication to achieving results and be able to sustain high drive and energy levels under sometimes intense working conditions.

• Effective in directing and guiding others toward task accomplishments.

• Knowledge of tubular steel manufacturing and fabrication processes.