Role Purpose
Stellantis Malaysia is seeking an experienced Head of Launch to lead new vehicle industrialization and launch activities from project initiation through Start of Production (SOP) and production ramp-up. This role will drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure manufacturing readiness, deliver projects on time, achieve quality, cost, delivery and safety targets, and support the successful introduction of new vehicle programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end new vehicle launch programs from project initiation through SOP and production stabilization.
- Develop integrated launch strategies, master schedules and project plans to ensure successful industrialization.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Finance, HR and Facilities.
- Lead launch governance meetings and monitor project milestones, risks and recovery plans.
- Ensure manufacturing readiness through equipment installation, tooling validation, process verification, manpower planning, operator training and trial builds.
- Drive APQP, PPAP, process validation, engineering changes, prototype builds, pilot production and production ramp-up activities.
- Collaborate with suppliers and Purchasing to ensure tooling completion, supplier readiness, material availability and logistics preparedness.
- Monitor launch KPIs including Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Timing, Production Readiness, Ramp-up Performance and Customer Satisfaction.
- Lead structured problem-solving for launch-related quality, production and technical issues.
- Manage launch budgets, project resources and capital expenditure while driving cost optimization.
- Capture lessons learned and standardize best practices to continuously improve future launch programs.
- Ensure compliance with Stellantis policies, manufacturing standards, statutory requirements and EHS regulations.
- Build a high-performing Launch team through leadership, coaching, stakeholder engagement and performance management
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering or a related discipline.
- Minimum 10 - 15 years of experience in automotive manufacturing.
- Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role managing vehicle launch, industrialization or program management.
- Proven experience leading new vehicle launches from project planning through SOP and production ramp-up.
- Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, manufacturing readiness, project management and operational excellence.
- Excellent stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills.
Equal Opportunity Statement
When you join us, you're not just building a career — you're joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.
At Stellantis, we assess candidates based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We welcome applications from all people without regard to sex, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any characteristic protected by law. We believe that diverse teams reflect our identity as a global company, enabling us to better address the evolving needs of our customers and care for our future.
EOE / Disability / Veteran
