Launch Manager, Manufacturing Job at American Battery Solutions in Lake Orion

Job Summary:

Responsible for all aspects of Manufacturing planning and execution activities required to launch new programs and meet customer and business plan requirements. Drive culture and processes that promote continuous improvement, safety, cost management, and flawless launch with quality. This position will work with program management, engineering, purchasing, logistics, quality, and assembly operations. This position will also lead Engineering & Process Change control and VAVE activities.

Responsibilities:

• Accountable for overseeing all aspects of new program launch as it pertains to the manufacturing and production plant or prototype facility including but not limited to build scheduling & reporting, driving supplier demand back top purchasing, tracking materials and WIP through builds, resolving issues & priority conflicts, managing readiness actions, leading shipment signoffs, and managing Engineering & Process Change Control.
• Work with Program Management to define releases, their goals, and themes, ensuring all internal departments understand their role in releases, facilitate communication of release readiness internal and to customers.
• Work with all Engineering disciplines to create technical Product & Process design solutions that balance cost tradeoffs for most effective outcomes.
• Coordinating prototype and production workflow for multiple products.
• Planning and prioritizing operations to ensure maximum performance and execute schedule.
• Ensuring staffing, equipment and raw materials are in place to cover production demand.
• Runs all launch OPL (Open Points List) meetings and drives items to closure.
• Holds cross-functional reviews as required to progress the plan, then report and escalate items as required.
• Creates a strong link between Engineering, Prototype, Production, and Suppliers to ensure flawless transfer between Product Life Cycle Phases.
• Identify bottlenecks and roadblocks upfront and facilitate improvement to APQP value stream.
• Involved in the early stages of new product development to ensure all areas of the business are ready for the launch.
• Create project timeline in cooperation with Sales, Engineering and Operations.
• Identify critical path and work with local management to execute the plan.
• Connect with partners throughout all levels of the organization, including preparing and giving presentations as rolled out by Director of Operations.
• Produce reports based on findings and performance of production.
• Responsible for Manufacturing deliverables for Phase Gates.
• Ensure all production documentation required is in place including DFM, DFA, PFD, PFMEA, WI, etc.
• Participates in DFMEA.
• Identify and resolve problems relating to inventory.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in operations, mechanical, electrical engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 (five) years of engineering or project management experience in an engineering / manufacturing facility.
• Minimum of 5 (five) years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Proven record of designing and implementing successful projects meeting cost, quality and schedule.
• The ability to collaboratively work with cross functional teams to achieve manufacturing targets.
• Knowledge and experience with ISO 9001, TS 16949 and ISO 14001.
• Strong technical, documentation and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, ability to deal with ambiguity and self-directed.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office, MS Project and PowerPoint and other project management software.
• Must be a team player.

Key Competencies:

• Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Priorities Focused: Understands and actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Focuses on Quality: Drives work results with quality focus in actions and results.
• Self-Leadership: Desires and chooses to be in a leadership position.
• Influences Others. Has personal and organizational impact built on mutual trust, fairness, and honesty. Flexes their style to direct, collaborate, or empower, as the situation requires.
• Organization and Planning: Establishes a systematic course for self and/or others to assure accomplishment of objectives. Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively.
• Future Focus: Generates novel and valuable ideas and uses these ideas to develop new or improved processes, methods, systems, products or services.
• Working Safely: Creates a generative safety culture. Aware of potentials risks and threats in the workplace.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.
• Communications: Exchanges thoughts, feelings and information effectively.
• Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments, and on uneven terrain.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.
• Able to complete physically demanding work.
• Able to lift and carry heavy objects.
• May be required to travel to and navigate a variety of sites to fully understand material needs.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
• The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day.

Why Join Us

American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits Overview

• Paid time off includes 4 weeks, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
• Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Voluntary benefits offerings.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Employee development and career growth opportunities.

About Us

American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business.

As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.

The Location – Springboro, OH

American Battery Solutions Advanced Battery Manufacturing Center is located in beautiful and historic Springboro Ohio. Life in Springboro is all about the quality and character of our community and that is why Springboro continues to be a top-ten-rated City to live, work, play, and raise a family. In fact, Springboro was rated #3 among the top 10 communities in greater Southwest Ohio. In essence, Springboro appeals to everyone from young families to people looking for the perfect place to retire. Our great neighborhoods, excellent schools, safety, services, and amenities all contribute to Springboro’s exceptional quality of life. Springboro offers a variety of public programming that includes outdoor concerts, festivals, and fireworks. Our residents enjoy bike and walking trails, an 18-hole public golf course, a charming and vibrant historic district, and 501 acres of parks.

The Location - Lake Orion

American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township boasts more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around! Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here!

AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.