Launch Manager

DMS’ Purpose:

We are creating a culture of service.  We empower others to grow, rise and give back – accelerating positive change in the world. We lead with the heart to bring out the best in you – which brings out the best in us. We do well so we can do good.

Serve Others, Enrich Lives, Rise Together and Give Back

Job Overview:

Primarily, the Launch Manager orchestrates the internal resources of DMS to deliver on the manufacturing contractual obligations of the program, including pre-production build events.

Primary Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of plant Inputs for major program RFQs, which will typically require multiple iterations of these items
• DL and IDL Labor plan
• Capital equipment plan
• Customer owned tooling plan
• Plant layout plan
• Serve as primary manufacturing contact for the Program Manager’s cross functional team
• Eliminate surprises by fostering cross-functional internal communication with regular team meetings
• Ensure manufacturing has all of the inputs required from the program team and the customer to deliver on the contractual obligations of a program (with assistance from Program Manager):
• Bill of materials
• Purchase orders
• Program timing
• Capital budget
• Equipment list
• Prepare for, and present program status, in monthly program review meetings
• Preside over regular cross-functional team ECR / change control meetings to seamlessly implement changes with the execution of logically sequenced functional group tasks (further defined in Serial life section)
• Use proper escalation to solicit management support for any team member not delivering on expectations:
• Hold weekly, face-to-face cross functional team meetings
• Talk directly with individual team member and functional groups to ensure the expectations are clear
• Meet with the supervisor/manager of the area to get help securing the deliverable
• Track on an open issues list
• Escalate in DMS Program Review meetings to DMS leadership
• Track risks and opportunities
• Maintain program issues lists
• Determine resource requirements necessary to complete projects and solve open issues
• Insist on a “both/and” approach to team member delivery on tasks, as opposed to an “either/or” approach with a careful eye to resource requirements to meet commitments
• Work with DMS manufacturing engineering to develop manufacturing concept
• Present manufacturing concept to DMS cross functional management team for approval to proceed
• Establish master timeline for DMS activities to deliver the program from inception to launch, covering all functional groups
• Ensure completion of, and take part in, SCAAF, KCC, PFMEA, control plan and SWI reviews
• Ensure company MOS/FES principles are adhered to by all functional groups
• Confirm all applicable deliverables for each functional group and ensure they are loaded onto the master timeline and that they are being executed by the functional champions
• Oversee the physical installation/implementation of all cross functional team member deliverables.  Make sure you can see what you are being told (trust but verify)
• Ensure capital budget is monitored, verify accuracy and timeliness
• Ensure tooling budget is monitored, verify accuracy and timeliness
• Ensure launch budget is monitored, verify accuracy and timeliness
• Maintain launch books
• Organize all build events, coordinating the cross functional team members
• Collect data regarding the safety, quality and productivity of the build events
• Ensure proper responses to all customer concerns/requests
• Participate in customer program reviews where value can be added
• Ensure full respect of the HSE rules and regulations
• Provide the direction and supervision; functional leads will provide the direct production support.
• Launch Manager will attend, change, control, and manage the change control execution process
• Manage event of running trials (90% customer driven, but also internal) by leading the team to ensure that:
• Parts ordered
• Parts stored
• Supervise Parts kitted (as required)
• Establish trial dates with functional Manager
• Supervise Parts run on the line per agreed schedule
• Supervise Data collected during the run, and shared with proper parties
• Confirm Manufacturing line readiness (industrialization) regarding engineering changes
• Ensures full-respect of HSE rules and regulations

Required Skills/Education/Experience

The ideal candidate will possess/have the following skills/qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain or a related technical field.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain or a related technical field (Senior Launch Manager
• 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with experience as a member of a cross functional team.
• Professional Licensure is preferred for Senior Launch Manager (PMP, CQE, PE, CSP, CIH, Etc.)
• Ability to present information and convey messages in a manner appropriate for different levels in the internal and supplier organization.
• Able to perform in a fast-paced environment where change is common.

Traits/Values:

• Integrity – adhering to high ethical principles and professional standards.
• Trustworthiness – Being honest, dependable, and earning the confidence of others.
• Excellence – consistently being the best you can be.
• Responsible – being reliable and trustworthy.
• Accountability – being obligated and willing to accept responsibility for one’s actions.
• Dignity – behaving in accord with DMS basic principles.
• Respect – treating others as you would have them treat you.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work in a cross-functional team.

Our Values:

Gratitude * Integrity * Fun * Teamwork * Excellence * Diversity &

Respect * Innovation * Commitment * Humility
 

“GIFTED people & RICH culture”