Global Program Launch Manager

Description

The Role

As part of General Motors' Global Propulsion Systems (GPS) organization, you will lead a high-performing Program Management team responsible for planning, readiness, and execution of Road-to-Lab-to-Math (RLM), Gamma and Ultra Low Volume build events. These product development events are critical milestones in enabling safer, smarter, and more connected vehicle propulsion technologies and satisfy a specialty customer base.

In this role, you will serve as the primary interface between PPO (Pre Production Operations) and Propulsion Chief Engineers, Assistant Chief Engineers, Lead Engineers, and Lead Test Engineers, and work directly with the Operations Team -ensuring disciplined execution, cross-functional alignment, and on-time delivery of quality. You will help drive the future of GM propulsion by strengthening program execution processes and elevating team capability through continuous improvement.

The majority of your time will be spent working in Pontiac, MI with centralized functions being anchored in Warren, MI. Minimal travel between those locations to be expected.

What You'll Do

• Lead and coach a GPS Program Management team to successfully execute pre-production and test build events.
• Manage disciplined execution for all PPO build events, ensuring Key Indicator Report deliverables are completed on time and with high quality.
• Partner closely with Propulsion Chief Engineers, Assistant Chief Engineers, and Lead Engineers to communicate program strategies, milestones, and issue escalations for RLM and Gamma builds.
• Establish build strategy, timing, and readiness within the GPDP framework to ensure alignment with delivery, content, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Validation, Program Execution, and GPSC teams to ensure seamless, customer-focused execution.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through standardized work, lessons learned, and optimized processes.
• Lead scheduling teams responsible for internal Dyno operations and external vehicle PPO (other) GPS build activities.
• Oversee scheduling support for GPS internal shop operations, including FMS, Gear Center/eMotor, and Machine Shop activities.
• Manage and coordinate material flow for Dyno build activity, including warehouse operations and point-of-use (POU) cribs.
• Administer PPO systems to support GPS operational needs and ensure data accuracy and process compliance.
• Support the development and execution of Ultra Low Volume builds and Non-traditional build requests and events.

• 6+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, subsystem integration, or pre-production build environments (RLM, Gamma, PPO).
• 2+ years of experience leading teams of salaried professionals, providing technical direction, workload prioritization, and guidance across complex engineering deliverables.
• Strong working knowledge of the Global Propulsion Development Process (GPDP) including milestone readiness, build event execution, validation entry/exit criteria, and Key Indicator Report requirements.
• Knowledge/experience with propulsion system hardware (engines, eMotors, inverters, battery interfaces, driveline components) and their associated build/test processes.
• Technical proficiency in manufacturing planning and build execution, including Dyno operations, machining workflows, assembly sequencing, and material flow management.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical data (readiness metrics, manufacturing BOMs, build variances) to drive corrective action and escalate issues when needed.
• Proficient with engineering systems and tools such as TeamCenter, build management systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and PPO scheduling or workflow tools.
• Strong capability in root-cause analysis and problem-solving, using structured methods (5-Why, fishbone, fault isolation, control plan adherence).
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering reviews, ensuring technical alignment across Product Development, Validation, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Ability to manage complex technical interdependencies, ensuring build content, configuration control, and hardware readiness meet required engineering specifications.
• Strong technical communication skills, capable of presenting complex build readiness, risk assessments, and engineering constraints to Chief Engineers and leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Automotive Operations or related field.
• Experience leading salaried teams with demonstrated coaching and development capability.
• Hands-on experience planning and executing RLM and Gamma build events.
• Prior global responsibility or cross-functional role exposure.
• Background supporting manufacturing readiness, program execution, or propulsion system development.