Manufacturing Launch Issues Management Specialist

Issues Management Specialist / Coordinator - Manufacturing Launch Position Overview: The Issues Management Specialist is responsible for leading the identification, tracking, escalation, reporting, and resolution of manufacturing and launch-related issues throughout the vehicle launch lifecycle. This position serves as the central coordinator for issue management processes, ensuring risks, concerns, and action items are properly documented, assigned, escalated, and resolved in support of successful new model launches. The position will interact with Corporate Planning, Vehicle Process Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Production Operations, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership on all matters relating to issue management, launch readiness, and project execution. Key Responsibilities: • Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely resolution of launch concerns. • Train users on issue management processes, tools, reporting standards, and best practices. • Lead issue management for new vehicle launches from program kickoff through SOP and stabilization. • Administer and serve as SME for issue tracking systems, ensuring accurate data, reporting, and governance. • Design and continuously improve workflows, escalation paths, and issue management standards. • Facilitate cross-functional reviews, drive accountability, and ensure timely action item completion. • Track issue priority, ownership, aging, and closure effectiveness; escalate critical risks as needed. • Develop weekly and executive-level reports, dashboards, and launch readiness metrics. • Coordinate problem-solving sessions, support launch events, and ensure issues are properly prioritized. • Analyze trends and partner cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement, KPIs, and user training. Basic Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Operations Management, Data Analytics, or a related field (relevant experience may substitute for degree requirement). • Minimum 3 years of experience in automotive manufacturing. • Experience managing databases, reporting systems, and issue tracking tools. • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. • Experience leading meetings, driving accountability, and escalating issues appropriately. • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, and database reporting tools. • Highly motivated self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through. Preferred Qualifications: • 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing. • Basic understanding of manufacturing operations, launch management processes, and production readiness requirements. • Experience with Power BI, SQL-based reporting tools, SharePoint, Power Apps, or similar workflow automation platforms. • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and a data-driven approach to problem solving and continuous improvement. • Experience developing dashboards, automated reporting solutions, and executive-level KPI reporting. Location: Headquarters & Technology Center or Various Assembly Plants Travel Required: 10–30% domestic and international travel.