New Product - Program Launch Manager

The New Product - Program Launch Manager is responsible to coordinate and assist in the planning, organization, control, integration and completion of plant based activities for new program launches. In addition, they are to maintain a leadership role within cross-functional teams to ensure a successful launch of all new programs within Modine.

This role is responsible for leading the introduction of large data center and commercial chillers into our CS Data Center facility. This role will focus on optimizing shop floor layouts for maximum efficiency, ensuring equipment availability aligns with project timeline, and facilitating the knowledge transfer necessary for a smooth production transition. The Program Launch Manager will also support the setup of new business processes within the ERP system to ensure seamless production operations. This position requires strong project management skills, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to drive process improvements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Review launch plans with respect to labor, floor space, work flow, and layout. The life cycle of responsibility is from project screening to steady state production and a successful Gate 5 review.
• Ensure PPAP and SOP (Start of Production) are on time, Gates 3-5 are all green or have corrective actions at review, and production, quality and efficiency have met stated levels
• Lead the planning and execution of chiller product introduction into the manufacturing facility.
• Coordinate with internal teams and vendors to ensure equipment availability and adherence to project timelines.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer between teams to support production readiness and operational continuity.
• Direct launch teams and assist plant management to ensure adherence to APQP guidelines.
• Establish priorities, set goals, plan work assignments, establish deadlines and carry out tasks to completion.
• Provide monthly program status reviews to plant management and report out KPIs monthly.
• Attend meetings with customers, present data and obtain information from customer to ensure a successful launch.
• Confer with planning, manufacturing engineering and application engineering concerning product design and tooling to ensure safe, capable and efficient production methods. Evaluate and assist implementation of design/drawing changes and specification changes.
• Work with Production, EHS, Engineering, Quality, Materials and Lean to ensure complete value stream (safety, ergonomics, process flow, material flow, material presentation, STD work, quality documentation, material) are at best in class levels prior to launch
• Assist in the integration of new business processes into the ERP system to support ongoing production.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and leadership teams to drive successful program execution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.
• Assist manufacturing engineers in review of vendor specifications and equipment purchase plans.
• Monitor progress of suppliers of equipment and production parts to ensure on-time delivery and correct PPAP documentation.
• Initiate, coordinate and check Material Requisitions and/or AFEs for program related equipment and tooling.
  

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, manufacturing engineering, or operations within an industrial or data center-related environment.
• Proven experience managing complex manufacturing programs and new product introductions.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and facility layout planning, and ERP system implementation.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to drive timelines, resolve issues, and deliver results.
• Effective communication and leadership skills to coordinate across multiple teams and stakeholders.

• Experience in chiller manufacturing, HVAC, or related industries.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
• PMP or other relevant project management certification.