Launch Manager

Job Description: GENERAL SUMMARY: As a key member of the plant leadership team, the Launch Manager is responsible for driving strategic direction and execution of all new business and product launches. This role leads cross-functional teams, aligns launch activities with organizational goals, and ensures that all deliverables meet or exceed company and customer expectations. The Launch Manager is a visible leader, championing operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the plant. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Leadership: Provide vision and leadership for all launch activities, ensuring alignment with plant and corporate strategy. Serve as a key advisor to the Plant Manager and executive team on launch readiness, risk mitigation, and resource allocation. Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to deliver successful launches. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Program Management: Oversee the quoting-to-launch process, ensuring all activities are executed with precision, timeliness, and financial discipline. Manage complex program timelines and resolve critical issues impacting launch success. Process Innovation: Champion the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing methods, equipment, and processes. Drive adoption of lean principles, digital tools, and best practices to optimize efficiency and quality. Customer Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for customers during launch phases. Ensure customer requirements are understood, communicated, and met. Lead critical events such as run-at-rate, PPAP, and MRDs Operational Excellence: Ensure all manufacturing and process engineering documentation is created, updated, and maintained to the highest standards. Oversee preventive maintenance, process flow diagrams, PFMEA, and tooling authorization. Continuous Improvement: Apply statistical methods and data-driven decision-making to solve problems and drive improvements. Lead cost reduction initiatives and support ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certification efforts. Safety & Compliance: Uphold and advance health, safety, and housekeeping standards. Ensure compliance with all corporate and plant-level policies and regulations. REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or industrial engineering or related field 8 years in manufacturing or program management in the production environment Demonstrated success in leading complex product launches and cross-functional teams REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strategic thinking and leadership Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing and process optimization Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities Proficiency in project management and digital manufacturing tools (Word, Excel, Project, AutoCAD) REQUIRED DECISION-MAKING AND ORGANIZATION IMPACT: Must make decisions that have a significant impact on the timing and quality of the customer’s product. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Plant Manager. WORKING CONDITIONS: Manufacturing atmosphere with time spent on the manufacturing floor and in an office environment. Must wear safety glasses with side shields and safety toe shoes when on the manufacturing floor. Position Type: Regular Additional Locations: Additional Information: Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered. Remote Status: On-site Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich. USA, is a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include sealing, fuel and brake delivery, and fluid transfer systems. Cooper Standard employs approximately 24,000 people globally and operates in 21 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.cooperstandard.com. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran VEVRAA Federal Contractor