Launch Program Manager

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What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
Magna is an innovative leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality complete seating systems. Our solution includes seating structures, mechanisms and hardware, as well as foam and trim products for global automotive, heavy truck and bus industries. Our capabilities include market and consumer research; full concept development; design and engineering capabilities; testing, validation and world-class manufacturing. Our award-winning seating solutions are developed from consumer research, finding the ease of operation to be comfortable, convenient and connected.
Job Responsibilities:
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Serves as the overall facilitator for change management onsite at the manufacturing facility. Leads the process of change management from the handover of changes from the development team into production implementation. Must coordinate externally to customer and suppliers and internally with operations, engineering, and launch to ensure smooth implementation of new changes and/or new products into the production process, while providing all needed information and guidance to the launch coordination team.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all activities related to change management
• Manages change management proactively to ensure timing and program team objectives are met for all customer and Magna Seating milestones.
• Controls the production Bill of Materials to ensure each build event or build phase has clear requirements for what level components need to be used and is aligned with engineering and program management.
• Identifies and communicates barriers to the successful completion of program milestones to the leadership team on a regular basis.
• Develops and implements recovery plans to eliminate barriers.
• Interfaces with required functional disciplines and departments for program support.
• Manages detailed timing plans for all engineering changes
• Tracks tool status and location for all new parts and/or engineering changes (tool change, graining, etc)
• Responsible for tracking and publishing the required part levels for each build phase
• Responsible for tracking all upcoming build phases and ensuring that milestones are achieved leading up to the build phase to ensure all timing requirements are met
• Provides inputs and guidance to the Launch Coordination Team ensuring all team objectives are met on time.
• Uses effective forms of communication regularly to update the team on upcoming activities and current projects.
• Support special seat build material tracking - parts in house confirmation, through organized spreadsheets.
• Support part inventory and location confirmation ahead of build events to ensure all parts needed for builds are available in the quantities required, noted in an organized spreadsheet.
• Tracks and maintains KPIs for change management as defined by the leadership team.
• Actively participates on projects designed to support program requirements, as directed by launch management.
• Proposes departmental and process improvements to streamline the overall success of the company and success in meeting customer expectations.
• Other tasks as defined based on department needs.

Required Skills:

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Technical or Business-related studies (studying or completed)
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
• Ability to lead and manage change effectively during new product launches or process modifications.
• Ability to analyze complex data, and conflicting schedules to make informed decisions.
• Strong ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Capable of identifying issues quickly and implementing effective solutions to prevent delays.
• Precision in managing material requirements, specifications, and documentation to avoid errors and omissions.
• Flexibility to adjust plans quickly in response to supply disruptions or project changes.
• Ability to work effectively across departments, including engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and quality.
• Efficiently managing time to meet tight schedules associated with product launches and ramp-ups.
• Anticipating potential issues and acting proactively to mitigate risks.
• Focused on delivering quality and timely support to internal teams and external customers.
• Ability to negotiate with suppliers and vendors for favorable terms, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Strong leadership skills, guiding the team in a positive manner but able to hold accountable when needed.
• Five (5) years preferred diversified engineering experience or equivalent as deemed by the hiring manager
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills to work in a team environment to accomplish tasks through positive interaction with others; both internally and externally.
• Flexible; work any shift schedule according to business needs and able to work outside of normal working hours.
• A proven record of dependability is required.

Preferred Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with ERP systems, MRP software, and other planning tools to streamline processes and data management.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain and Logistics: Understanding of procurement, inventory management, manufacturing processes, and logistics.
• Knowledge of Industry Standards: Familiarity with industry-specific standards, regulations, and best practices related to supply chain and manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement: Understanding of lean principles and methodologies to optimize inventory and reduce waste.
• Innovation and Creativity: Ability to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges during product launches.
• Previous experience using Microsoft Office tools - must be proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Understands problem solving methodologies.
• Capable of working alone to finish the task.
• Proven strong organizational skills.
• Team player with good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan and independently prioritize work.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of the work required inherent in the job.
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
Notice regarding the use of AI:
As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system.
These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team.
Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Seating