Launch Director (Asia Region)

About Our Client

Our client is a multinational automotive manufacturer supplying the world's leading OEMs, with an established manufacturing footprint across Asia. As part of continued regional investment in new program activity, they have engaged us on an exclusive basis to identify a Launch Director to lead all launch execution across their Asian operations.

Reporting into regional leadership, this is a high-visibility appointment with full accountability for new product introductions, engineering changes, and manufacturing readiness across multiple countries.

The Opportunity

This is a genuinely regional leadership mandate. The successful candidate will own launch governance across multiple plants, standardise launch management practices across the region, and act as the senior point of accountability to executive stakeholders throughout the program lifecycle. It offers direct exposure to global OEM programs, capital decision-making, and a clear path toward senior regional leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and govern all launch activity across Asia new models, engineering changes, and mid-cycle programs from program initiation through to production readiness
• Drive cross-functional and cross-plant alignment through structured gate reviews and executive reporting
• Identify launch risks early, implement mitigation plans, and escalate critical issues appropriately
• Partner with commercial and finance teams on business cases, capital approvals, and regional launch budgeting
• Build, lead, and develop multi-country launch teams, with a focus on performance, succession, and capability
• Standardise launch best practices and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing facilities

The Successful Candidate

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline
• Minimum 10 years experience in automotive manufacturing, with a track record in operations, program, or launch management
• Proven regional or multi-country launch leadership experience within Asia
• Strong command of automotive launch management systems, including APQP and PPAP
• Sound financial acumen across budgeting, business case development, and capital investment
• Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing regional teams
• Fluent professional English, with the presence to engage stakeholders from shop floor to board level

What's on Offer

A regional leadership role with significant strategic impact, an executive-level compensation package, an international working environment, and long-term career development within a growing global organisation.