STA Launch Manager

Ford of Canada’s operations include a national headquarters, three vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, three parts distribution centres, and three Connectivity and Innovation centers. Ford employs approximately 6,500 people in Canada, while an additional 20,000 people are employed in the approximately 430 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across the country. For more information on Ford Careers, please visit www.careers.ford.com
 

At Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex, we are expanding and retooling our vehicle operations like never before. This is more than just delivering a flawless new vehicle launch; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of vehicle manufacturing in Canada. Here is where cutting-edge manufacturing processes will bring to life vehicles that embody unparalleled performance and unwavering dependability. 

At Ford of Canada, we don’t just build vehicles; we craft the essential tools that empower businesses and individuals across the globe. Ford was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress. As we look to the future and the changing needs of society, we are committed to becoming the world’s most trusted mobility company – delivering smart vehicles for a smart world. Join our team as we create tomorrow! We believe in putting people first, working together, and facing challenges head-on. Join us in creating vehicles that keep the world moving and forge a career defined by meaningful impact and innovation.

In this position... 

Manage STA Resident and Launch Engineers at Oakville Assembly Complex. Prioritize and allocate resources to achieve objectives related to current model and new model launch.
 

The primary responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate support between suppliers and the Product Vehicle Team (PVT) and/or Manufacturing to resolve issues.
• Lead special-cause supplier teams on zero Months-in-Service (MIS) Balanced Single Agenda for Quality (BSAQ) projects.
• Support Global Quality goals by driving timely, accurate closure of Top Warranty issues.
• Actively participate in Variability Reduction Team (VRT) / Problem Resolution Team (PRT) forums and Vehicle Quality Reviews (VQR) / Product Commodity Team (PCT) reviews.
• Direct Resident Supplier representatives to ensure supplier responsiveness.
• Manage supplier actions in the Top Supplier Incoming Quality process, threshold Quality Reject (QR) cases, and dispute resolution per the escalation process.
• Drive fast containment of stop shipments and accurate root-cause assignment in BSAQ.
• Review open Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) deliverables and Conformance Plans (5D), and drive their closure.
• Communicate major supplier quality launch issues to Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) management (e.g., night letters).
• Manage Phased Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) status and timing plans to ensure on-time approvals.
• Prepare standardized documents for Milestone Reviews, Special Attention Reviews (SAR), and OESAR/New Model Launch (NML) Assessments.
• Monitor and escalate significant PPAP and launch risk issues.
• Manage program-specific Global Product Development System (GPDS) integrator requirements, including rating assessments and uploading key documents such as Schedule B and the Conformance Plan.
• Conduct Part Pedigree and Industrialization Readiness assessments before each GPDS milestone.
• Support Ford Consumer Product Audit (FCPA), Voice of Customer Fleet (VOCF), Campaign Prevention/Fresh Eyes, Hard Rocks, White Board, and Stop Build reviews.
• Support the STA Launch Exit Plan at the plant for major programs.
• Support the On-Site Modification process through QR2 (Incoming Quality Concerns System) approvals.
  Ensure adherence to organizational and corporate policies and procedures.
• Prioritize STA Resident Engineer training and provide performance feedback through the Performance Review process.
• Lead employee development in line with Human Resources policies and procedures.

You'll have... 

Education: Bachelor of Science, Engineering or a related field of study.  

Experience:

• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing/shop floor experience, including direct exposure to quality systems, production processes, and supplier or plant-floor issue resolution.
• 2+ years leading vehicle/product launches or program management activities, with demonstrated ownership of milestone deliverables, PPAP(Production Part Approval Process)/APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) timing, or launch readiness assessments.
• 1+ years in a formal supervisory, team lead, or mentorship capacity, with experience providing performance feedback, coaching, and development to direct reports or cross-functional team members.

 

Even better, you may have...
 

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Proven track record of presenting to and influencing senior executives. (VP and CEO-level stakeholders)
• Experience managing multiple high-complexity initiatives simultaneously, often under demanding or shifting timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex, cross-functional strategies that deliver measurable business results.
• Leadership experience within Manufacturing, Maintenance, and/or Quality Operations, with a solid understanding of shop-floor dynamics and continuous improvement principles.
• Well-developed people development and coaching skills, with experience building engineering or technical talent through structured feedback and mentorship.
• Advanced analytical and complex problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose root causes and drive sustainable corrective actions in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our team.

 

Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of degree completion for the highest level of education attained. If the degree was obtained from a school outside of Canada, an Education Credential Assessment report showing Canadian equivalency is also required.

We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ford of Canada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a culturally diverse workforce. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment processes, where needed, are available upon request. Please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.

Candidates for this position must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, does not sponsor work permit applications.

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