Advanced Launch Manager

**PURPOSE and SCOPE**

The advanced launch manager has two primary functions:

- Cross-team support on chronically poorly performing suppliers, assigned to bring suppliers back to acceptable performance levels through daily management, site visits and recovery plan execution. This may also include supporting re-sourcing or dual sourcing efforts as a part of the recovery plan.
- Management of the purchasing/sourcing function on new product launches/select revisions and be the voice of supply chain management within the NPD team. The Advanced Launch Manager will have financial ownership for all purchased components in the Advanced Launch Phase, working closely with the Procurement Specialists and Buyers to ensure parts are sourced on time while meeting the program budget, initiating the PPAP process in conjunction with the Quality department and working to ensure that deliverables are being executed in accordance with the overall program timeline.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Manage select chronically poorly performing suppliers through to full recovery. Calculates delays, determines recovery actions, required resources and related costs. Develops corrective actions and / or recovery plans for suppliers when needed to ensure on-time delivery.
- Prepare trip / visit reports to clearly communicate supplier progress.
- Establish, implement and manage the system to evaluate, monitor and report supplier scorecard performance.
- Implementation of innovative solutions to continually improve supply management systems.
- Coordinate and assist supply management initiatives and providing cross functional support on projects that involve supply management.
- Actively seek improvements in supply chain activities and performance, primarily through coordination and collaboration with the Sourcing, Logistics and Materials teams.
- Proactively communicates issues and actions to internal stakeholders.
- Responsible for managing program kickoff reviews with the rest of the NPD team to outline key program deliverables.
- Report status of current sourcing plans, carryover parts/capacity, and raw material economic exposure.
- Work to identify and execute improvement opportunities when budget overages exist in purchased components.
- Manage reports, cost walks, and one pager summaries of supplier readiness to support product launches and revisions.
- Participate in cross functional teams, including Engineering, NPD, Supplier Quality, and Manufacturing.
- Work with the Procurement Specialists to source new components.
- Responsible for holding launch readiness reviews with the purchasing and sourcing teams, which would include identifying issues, assigning tasks, and driving accountability.
- Responsible for managing supplier tooling.
- Manage a smooth transition from Advanced Launch phase to production phase.
- Responsible for driving early supplier onboarding for new programs.
- Responsible for coordinating with the procurement specialists all sourcing activities as it pertains to engineering driven changes:

- Send updated drawings to the supplier having them confirm their quotation.
- Organize any necessary follow up reviews with the supplier and engineering.
- If engineering changes drives up cost, validate that the supplier’s cost is justified and work with the supplier to mitigate that cost.
- If an engineering change is intended to reduce cost, make certain MacDon receives the subsequent piece price or tooling cost reduction.
- Track all cost changes.
- Ensure the PO documentation / authorization issued by the team is to the correct design revision level.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education and Experience**
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business or Engineering.
- Five years of procurement experience in manufacturing industry.
- Supply Chain Management Professional designation an asset.

**Skills and Knowledge**
- Demonstrated project management skills.
- Excellent internal and external stakeholder relationship management skills.
- Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
- Ability to organize and present data logically to support supply management strategy.
- Results-oriented with ability to effect changes through the power of influence.
- Working knowledge of MRP systems, proficiency with Excel.
- Supplier development experience