Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is seeking a Launch Manager 2 to focus on leading product development and launch programs. In this role, you will be responsible for leading a cross-functional team of sales, program management, engineering, manufacturing, finance, and procurement colleagues to successfully deliver cutting-edge electronic across a portfolio of programs with sales ranging from one to five million dollars. You will proactively lead assignment and execution of deliverables in alignment with customer agreed upon timelines, technical specifications, unit cost, and testing requirements will be critical success. In addition, you will hold yourself and other's accountable for frequent effective communication, alignment on internal/external expectations and efficient problem solving approaches in partnership with the launch team, manufacturing facilities, suppliers and our customers to maintain alignment on meeting key milestones. Increased complexity as well as the number of assigned programs will grow with experience.

Methode Electronics Automotive Group is a leading global developer of User-Interfaces, LED Lighting, Sensors, and Chassis and Powertrain signal/power distribution solutions. Our team of knowledgeable sales, design engineers, and operations personnel across the globe offer expert advice and develop innovative and highly integrated solutions tailored to address our customers' challenges and meet your objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and communicate product/program launch plans and tracks the deliverables, milestones, risks, and dependencies for assigned cross-functional launches.

• Participates in researching and analyzing customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.

• Lead assigned core team inspecting all activities that ensure internal goals are met, including delivery, cost, and quality.

• Drive the Methode’s Product Development and Program Launch System (PDPLS) and leads phase and gate reviews.

• Manages customer with regular interactions including other internal functional disciplines and departments. 

• Lead all stakeholders throughout the release cycle, escalating risks and delays to scheduled release.

• Promptly recognize and diagnose technical issues in the development processes, systems, or the products themselves. This includes conducting thorough analysis to determine the root causes of problems.

• Develop effective and innovative solutions to technical problems. This may involve  modifications to products. Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, and other relevant teams to ensure comprehensive solution development.

• Track and document design changes, process steps, and product quality with proper internal/external verification and alignment. Manager customer engineering change processes.

• Drive accountability with all responsible functions including engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain to implement solutions. Ensure technical resolutions are feasible across different stages of the launch cycle.

• Demonstrate and maintain ownership and accountability on all assigned programs.

• Active focus on building own and others' expertise using sophisticated tools, systems, and processes to manage increasingly complex program launches.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science required; Master’s Degree in Business or engineering preferred

• 7 + years of experience in program/product management or quality engineering required

• Prior experience with automotive products, processes, and environment required

• Comfortable collaborating across various functional disciplines sand with all management levels and cultures

• Ability to interface and effectively communicate with customers

• Prior training and/or experiences with product development and manufacturing processes (stamping, molding, SMT, assembly, testing)

• Embodies a focused and timeline driven mindset while maintaining poise and agility

• Tends to operate in a highly transparent fashion with proven ability to overcome obstacles in a team environment

• Proficient in MS Project, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (intermediate level or higher)

• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds 

• Ability to travel up to 30%; domestic and international

Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics per the EEO Poster available here . If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (708) 867-6777 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.