Plant Launch Manager

Dry Ridge, KY, US, 41035-7437

Requisition:  63236

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop a standard plant launch process and metrics including launch dashboard.
  •  Support internal run at rate activities to verify installed capacity.
  • Support customer meetings during critical launch activities
  • Coach and develop plant Project Managers
  • Monitor all design, quality, production, financial, and milestone timing needs of the programs being launched in US and Mexico plants
  • Travels to plant locations, supplier locations and customer locations as necessary.  Liaison with customer regarding program issues.
  • Communicate project status and updates to NA Operations team.
  • Responsible for extended support of operations, quality, or engineering beyond what a typical program would require.
  •  Participation in the Light Vehicle Global Launch Process for US and Mexico plants. This includes engagement and participating in the Functional Stage Gate reviews and approvals as well as ensuring reporting tools are kept up to date.
  • Drives accountability throughout the organization, ensuring the implementation and adherence to project management standards and practices through execution.

Education and Qualifications


•    Bachelor’s Degree
•    7 + years of progressive experience in automotive operations roles, including program management, operations management, commercial… working within a multi-national, complex matrix-based organization in the automotive, trucking or transportation industries preferred.
•    Excellent APQP and program management techniques knowledge.
•    An understanding of financial analysis concepts and budget management.
•    Strong communication skills.
•    Experience of managing challenging negotiations and achieving the desired outcome.
•    Ability to successfully function in a matrix style of management, managing a variety of cross functional team members.
•    Able to operate successfully at senior management level.
•    Excellent organizational and follow-up skills; competent in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making; and shows aggressiveness when completing assignments and other responsibilities.
•    Focused on exceeding expectations and comfortable with working independently.
•    Proactivity, an individual who drives change and seeks opportunity for improvements.
•    A passion to take ownership and deliver as both leader and member in a winning and supportive team environment.
•    PMI certification will be considered as plus.
•    Both strategic and hands on; able to lead in execution as well as develop strategy.  
•    Able to make decisions independently with appropriate level of consultation/communication. 
•    Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships to gain support to achieve goals.
•    Strong understanding of global and domestic business and legal environments
•    Financial acumen; ability to do analytical analysis, budgeting, and make cost / benefit decisions
•    Commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior in self and others; commitment to inclusion and diversity 

Skills and Competencies


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.


Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

 Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.​

Join our team of 40,000 problem solvers who are fostering a culture of innovation by leveraging the diverse perspectives of our global team. We believe in facing challenges head-on by finding opportunity and uncovering possibility, where roadblocks and barriers become targets instead of obstacles. We are One Dana with limitless opportunity.

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