Launch Manager

Job Title: Launch Manager Job Description
The Launch Manager supports launch activities for new projects, new plants, and complex product or process changes by acting as the primary link between project teams and plant leadership. This role focuses on installing and implementing assembly processes and production equipment, coordinating construction-related activities for greenfield and brownfield plant launches, and aligning project requirements with plant capabilities through the APQP process. The Launch Manager also serves as a key contact for local customers, ensuring transparent communication on project status and supporting plant management in customer interactions.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary liaison between project teams and plant management to support launch-phase activities for new projects, new plants, and complex changes.
- Support the installation, commissioning, and implementation of assembly processes and production equipment to ensure stable and efficient production.
- Coordinate construction-related activities associated with greenfield and brownfield plant launches, ensuring timelines and technical requirements are met.
- Support the implementation of the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process by aligning project requirements with plant capabilities, quality standards, and timelines.
- Act as a key point of contact for local customers regarding overall project status, milestones, and launch readiness.
- Support plant management in customer meetings by preparing updates, presenting launch status, and addressing technical or project-related questions.
- Coordinate pre-series and prototype assembly activities within the plant, with a strong focus on technical requirements, quality expectations, and project timelines.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members, including engineering, production, quality, logistics, and supplier management, to ensure smooth launches.
- Participate in regular project team meetings to track progress, identify risks, and drive corrective actions for launch-related issues.
- Support supplier management activities related to launch, ensuring suppliers meet technical, quality, and delivery expectations for launch readiness.
- Work within Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Sequence (JIS) manufacturing environments to ensure launch plans support on-time delivery and sequence accuracy.
- Apply strong organizational and communication skills to manage multiple launch activities simultaneously and maintain clear documentation and reporting.
- Demonstrate a proactive, collaborative approach to problem solving, addressing launch challenges quickly and effectively.
- Foster effective collaboration across diverse, intercultural teams to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Engineering.
- Several years of professional experience within the automotive industry.
- Proven ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal cross-functional teams.
- Strong knowledge of Just-in-Sequence (JIS) and Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting launch programs in an automotive manufacturing setting.
- Practical experience with assembly processes and production equipment implementation.
- Experience applying Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) in plant or project environments.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- High level of adaptability and ability to work effectively in dynamic, changing environments.
- Proactive and collaborative approach to problem solving.
- Strong intercultural awareness and experience working across diverse teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience coordinating activities for greenfield and brownfield plant launches.
- Background working in Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Sequence (JIS) automotive manufacturing environments.
- Experience in supplier management related to launch and production ramp-up.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with plant management, project teams, and external customers.
- Comfort working with advanced manufacturing equipment and technologies.
- Interest in long-term career development within a large, complex manufacturing organization.
Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing environment that supports automotive production, including assembly processes, production equipment, and Just-in-Time/Just-in-Sequence operations. You will collaborate closely with a broader, inclusive technical team and work with advanced equipment and modern production technologies. The organization offers holiday, vacation, and paid time off benefits, along with a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for long-term employment and career growth. The work setting is plant-based and fast-paced, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Duncan, SC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $58.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Duncan, SC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Duncan,SC. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.