Launch Team Manager

Introduction to BlueOval SK

At BlueOval SK, we will lead the transformation of the electric vehicle (EV) battery business through partnership (Joint Venture formed by Ford and SK On) to provide products and processes to increase our customers’ experience. As the future of BlueOval SK, you will help lead the battery revolution by working alongside our teams as we build the batteries required for electric vehicle business excellence.

Ford and SK On are investing billions in Kentucky and Tennessee including building three state-of-the art battery manufacturing facilities between the two campuses at BlueOval City in Tennessee and BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky. These brand-new advanced manufacturing facilities will use Ford’s 100-years of automobile manufacturing expertise and SK On’s 30+ years of electric vehicle battery expertise to become the world’s best battery manufacturer.

The Launch Team Manager at BlueOval SK will have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a key member of the start-up team, launching the facility from the ground up.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

The Launch Team Manager will be responsible is responsible for the management, oversight, and execution of launching new products, services, processes, initiatives, and programs.  The successful candidate is responsible for delivering departmental scorecard objectives pertaining to people, safety, quality, and flow; maintaining standardization while implementing continuous improvement actions while containing and communicating irregularities.  The role requires cross functional collaboration with all departments within the company. In addition, the Launch Team Manager will be responsible to oversee and leverage engagement with existing and new coalitions/forums to align BlueOval SK’s public policy positions and build support across all key stakeholders.

• Validates that the plant launch staffing plan and budget are sufficient to deliver a successful launch
• Selects and develops the plant launch organization
• Ensures the training of hourly and salaried plant launch team members is on schedule
• Manages the launch team by providing direction and leadership, prioritizing the day-to-day activities
• Develops, manages, and delivers a plant launch timing plan, with Key Battery Manufacturing Timing milestones and deliverables
• Monitor launch budgets and timelines, ensuring projects remain on scope, on time, and within financial parameters.
• Leads the confidentiality process during the launch phase
• Leads with support on final layouts, detailed plans for installation or construction, execution of plans, and buy-off
• Represents the voice of the plant during launch. Keeps the plant informed of the latest launch status and request launch support resources according to priorities
• Engages plant personnel in virtual builds and early build process of prototypes and support of Factory Automation Test (FAT)
• Ensures operating system (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Maintenance, Environmental) requirements are implemented
• Supports the daily acceleration build targets until planned Productivity Jobs Per Hour is reached
• Reports plant launch status through Launch Quality Operating System (LQOS)/Program Scorecard, New Model Planning/STA/Launch Quality Operating System assessment reports
• Conducts in depth market research, including trend analysis and consumer behavior insights to guide launch decisions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial operations environment
• 3+ years of experience in program or project management, preferably with new product introductions (NPI) or launch planning
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and supply chain dependencies
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and ERP systems)
• Ability to optimize equipment programs and troubleshoot issues to identify root cause
• Excellent communicator who can train both hourly and salary team members
• Must be a self-starter who will take ownership of projects and see them through to completion with limited supervision
• Candidate must be flexible with potential for travel or off-shift / weekend work
• Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal, teambuilding, and communication skills

Preferred Requirements:

• PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification
• Experience in product launches, program management, within a fast paced environment
• Automotive, aerospace, or industrial product background a plus
• Direct Relationship understanding and capability
• Need to work well under pressure and to be able to work under crisis management when necessary

About BlueOval SK

At BlueOval SK, we will lead the transformation of the electric vehicle (EV) battery business through partnership (Joint Venture formed by Ford and SK On) to provide products and processes to increase our customers’ experience. As the future of BlueOval SK, you will help lead the battery revolution by working alongside our teams as we build the batteries required for electric vehicle business excellence.  We have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career.

The Opportunity

Ford and SK On are investing billions in Kentucky and Tennessee including building three state-of-the art battery manufacturing facilities between the two campuses at BlueOval City in Tennessee and BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky. These brand-new advanced manufacturing facilities will use Ford’s 100-years of automobile manufacturing expertise and SK On’s 30+ years of electric vehicle battery expertise to become the world’s best battery manufacturer.

For more information about  BlueOval SK plans, please Follow this link.

What you’ll receive in return:
As part of the BlueOval SK family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, incentive compensation and much more. You’ll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition. If you have what it takes to help us lead the transformation of the EV battery business, we’d love to have you join us.
Benefits include:

• 401k plan with retirement planning services
• 401k company matching after completing three months of service
• Medical and prescription drug coverage
• Dental and vision coverage
• Preventative Care
• Eligibility for great ancillary benefits including: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD), Employee Basic Life and Accidental Death Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and Employee Supplemental Life Insurance
• Access to Paid Time Off (PTO) after completing probationary period and Emergency PTO
• Parental Leave
• Access to Ford Vehicle Discount Program
• Climate-controlled working environment
• For a full list of benefits, visit our website:
• https://blueovalsk.com/opportunities

Candidates for positions with BlueOval SK must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BlueOval SK does not sponsor employment VISAs for candidates at this time. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.