Launch Engineering Manager

At International Automotive Components, it’s what’s inside that really drives us. Operating across 19 countries, we bring over 160 years of automotive expertise to the forefront in crafting beautiful interiors that help to differentiate vehicles in the global marketplace. We believe our employees to be our greatest asset: we welcome employees of all backgrounds, and are proud to provide benefits such as professional development opportunities, a gym scheme, and length of service awards among many others.

We are excited to confirm the below opportunity to join our innovative and conscientious team:

Launch Engineering Manager -

• To provide a supervisory and engineering service
• To provide support with all launch related activities

Main objectives and results:

• Direct line management, coaching and training of Manufacturing Engineering team
• Dotted line management and coaching of launch team
• Accountability for Project management of all aspects of M.E projects to support site development and launch
• Plan the workload for specific major projects across production shutdown periods
• Lead cross functional on time, on cost product launches
• Preparation of RFQ’s, contract review and risk management.
• Support continuous improvement activities
• Liaise with outside contractors if required
• Checking that agreed work by staff or contractors has been completed to a satisfactory standard and following up on any deficiencies.
• Successful co-ordination of running changes
• Implementation and team adherence to IAC Project Management Systems
• Manage plant interface in support of Program targets
• Maintain IAC and personal credibility with the customer and balance of customer relationship and IAC profitability
• Ensure Launch Readiness Reviews are complete and updated as required
• Support customer launch meetings
• Ensure Engineering and Launch KPI’s are updated timely
• Ownership of resolution to off standards
• Launch Readiness Documents – identify and lead to resolution of key issues
• Clearly identify and follow up issues requiring management intervention
• Support management of launch process and launch reviews
• Apply, execute and maintain function related Project Milestones/Timing Plans
• Ensure continuity on current engineering and project deliverables

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Candidates must be time-served multi-skilled Engineer, preferably certified to HND / degree level.
• Proven experience of Engineering, preferably within a high volume, automotive manufacturing environment.
• Competent in Microsoft Office
• Excellent organisational and communicational skills as well as a strong sense of urgency and an ability to work under pressure.
• Confident decision makers and proactive problem solvers
• Ability to work as an individual or as part of a team.
• Experienced in managing and delivering significant capex projects.
• Experienced in working in a highly pressured and demand focused organisation.
• Able to liaise professionally at ALL levels within and outside the Company
• Knowledge of customer base, manufacturing processes and capabilities, company products, technology and efficiency
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements.
• 3 years of experience working within a JIT / Lean manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of MES, DC tooling, EOL electrical test and Vision systems is advantageous