Purpose of Role Reporting to the Head of New Product Launch, you will be responsible for the delivery of specific vehicle launch programmes which can vary in length from 6 to 18 months for execution and 3 years for planning. Principal Accountabilities You will support the definition of the vehicle launch strategy and confirm all departmental statuses align with strategy planning via weekly Control Centre reviews. Thereafter you will ensure robust build phase-to-phase readiness, including a smooth transition from PTA to GA, and a no loss load transition into Production. Once in Production you will support the MPC team to achieve relevant Quality, Cost & Delivery targets as part of a successful Series ramp up and handover. You will manage a team of Launch Engineers; in addition, you will strategically lead launch direct staff. Other accountabilities include: Chairing Launch meetings such as: Daily Start & End of Shift Control Centres Launch Readiness Reviews Ensure all Launch activities are effectively managed and coordinated Ensure each build phase is delivered on time and to the expected quality levels Directing launch teams / staff teams to agree manpower deployment planning & budgets Align multi-department statuses to guide Launch direction and escalations Development, motivation, coordination and mentoring of direct reports. Interpret business plans / strategy and set aligned actions / objectives for the team to deliver Align the wider business to current launch status and future strategy Work with all Vehicle Programme stakeholders to ensure successful product introductions into production facilities Define mitigation plans as and when required Management and coaching of Launch Engineers and Technicians Supporting directly with your Line Manager and escalate issues as and when needed 4M Validation Planning & Delivery Working together with the Project Manager & Chief Engineer to agree direction and always communicate a clear ‘one voice’ message to the wider team Quality, FPV, QCR, MPA Delivery throughput and vehicle build status 4M status and readiness Input into budget reviews and strategy going forward Ensure costs and resources are captured and appropriate ownership is in place Knowledge, Skills and Experience Project Management Engineering - Timing & Robustness Material Management Supplier Quality Assurance Quality tools & techniques Manufacturing Engineering: Virtual Builds DFMEAs PFMEAs Line Balancing & Sequencing Tooling & Fixture Design Operator Training Practices Minimum 5 years’ industry experience Ideally educated to degree level in relevant subject however significant niche build experience in an operational role will be considered We also have an ambition to support programmes earlier in the gateway process (MDP) to further improve our robustness; therefore, experience in upstream phases would be an advantage.