Launch Manager

Huf NA, Greeneville (TN) I United States (US)

Launch Manager

We are a leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronic locking systems as well as car access and authorization systems for the global automotive industry. Founded in 1908 in Velbert, Germany, we are an independent, family-owned company with around 7,500 employees at locations in Europe, America and Asia and achieved sales of more than EUR 1.2 billion in the financial year 2023.

Your Role

As Launch Manager, you are the operations owner of new product industrialization at the production site. You lead and synchronize all launch activities, ensuring safe, stable, capable, and waste‑free production from prototype through start of production (SOP) and into series production

You act as the Toyota Production System (TPS)/ Huf Production System (HPS) anchor for launches, ensuring new products are introduced using standardized processes, visual management, structured problem-solving Plan Do Check Act (PDCA), and built‑in quality. Success is measured by first‑time‑right launches, on‑time SOP, stable processes, and smooth handover to series production without firefighting

• Lead and coordinate all launch and industrialization activities at the production site

• Represent Operations in core team and project meetings, providing clear production‑site input

• Ensure launches follow TPS/HPS principles:

• Standardized work before SOP

• Stable processes before volume

• Flow and pull aligned with customer demand

• Quality built into the process (jidoka), not inspected in later

• Synchronize engineering, quality, logistics, maintenance, and production activities

• Coordinate samples, prototypes, pilot builds, and Run@Rate (R@R)

• Lead cross‑functional handovers from project phase into series production

• Own industrialization and Request for Change (RfC) implementation in series, ensuring zero disruption to safety, quality, delivery, and cost

• Coordinate Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), customer audits, internal audits, and launch quality topics

• Manage relocation projects (incoming and outgoing) with minimal disruption

• Achieve project time, cost, and quality targets using structured escalation and PDCA

The TPS/HPS Mindset We Expect

• Problem solving at the Gemba, not from meeting rooms
• Decisions based on facts, data, and direct observation
• Strong focus on process capability, not heroics
• Respect for people through clear standards, training, and ownership
• Ability to challenge instability and waste early-before SOP

Your Skills

• Technical degree preferred (Engineering, Manufacturing, or similar)

• Minimum 3 years of project or launch management experience, preferably in automotive manufacturing

• Proven experience in:

• Electrical and mechanical systems

• Plastic injection molding, assembly, and painting processes

• Strong knowledge of TPS / Lean manufacturing principles

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written, English)

• Strong organizational and negotiation skills in a matrix organization

• High level of discipline in documentation, standards, and follow‑through

• Willingness to travel 10-15% domestically and internationally on short notice

What we offer

• Competitive pay with performance bonus potential
• Full comprehensive health insurance, dental, vision, flexible spending account
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off
• A key leadership role with direct impact on plant performance and culture
• Opportunities for professional development within a global, TPS-driven organization

Huf celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp.

Michelle Myers