Launch and Central Engineering Area Manager

Lead new product launches and Central Engineering capabilities for the plant, connecting product strategy with strong manufacturing execution.

The position integrates two main responsibilities: ensuring successful launches of new programs, meeting safety, quality, timing, cost, and production ramp-up objectives; and developing the engineering capabilities, infrastructure, equipment, and processes needed to support current and future plant operations.

The goal is simple: successfully launch the next product while building the manufacturing capability needed for the one after it.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of new programs from manufacturing preparation through start of production and volume stabilization.
• Direct and develop the Launch and Central Engineering organizations, setting priorities and driving effective collaboration between the plant, program teams, and corporate functions.
• Manage the master launch plan, budget, resources, risks, and governance mechanisms needed to meet program objectives.
• Lead the preparation and execution of prototypes, pre-series builds, manufacturing validation events, readiness assessments, and production ramp-up plans.
• Represent the voice of the plant to program teams and coordinate the resolution and escalation of risks that could affect safety, quality, cost, timing, or volume.
• Lead the Central Engineering strategy related to installed capacity, infrastructure, facilities, and the integration and release of new equipment and processes.
• Ensure engineering projects deliver solutions that are safe, capable, maintainable, efficient, and production-ready.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, automation, and new manufacturing technologies that increase the plant's competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Relevant experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably in new product launch, manufacturing engineering, operations, or technical project management.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in high-complexity environments.
• Ability to manage projects, priorities, resources, risks, and budgets with a results-oriented approach.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, quality, process capability, and continuous improvement.
• Advanced English for interacting with global teams.

_Nice to have:_

• Experience with structured product development and automotive launch systems.
• Experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning, manufacturing & production readiness, and ramp-up.
• Experience in capacity planning, layouts, facilities, commissioning, or new equipment implementation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, Control Plans, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience managing capital projects and engineering budgets.
• Master's degree or additional training in business administration, engineering, or project management.