Launch Manager

Primary Duties

• Leads cross-functional planning and execution activities to ensure full operational readiness for new product launches or major product changes.
• Develops and maintains launch plans, schedules, stage gates, and readiness criteria to guide teams through planning, pilot builds, and production ramp.
• Captures material readiness, workforce planning, equipment and tooling preparation, process validation, quality planning, and logistics flow design.
• Identifies risks and issues, facilitates problem resolution, and drives corrective or recovery actions to maintain launch timelines.
• Prepares capacity, performance, and readiness reporting to support decision-making and leadership communication.
• Promotes alignment between production needs, facility capabilities, and workforce availability during ramp-up.

Job Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field; 5+ years of experience leading new product introductions or major operational changes in a manufacturing environment; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
• Experience in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning manufacturing or electro‑mechanical production preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills, including planning, tracking, and risk management.
• Ability to analyze operational data, assess capacity, and interpret production and quality performance.
• Skilled in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and communicating with both shop-floor teams and leadership.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing workflows, production processes, and continuous improvement methods.
• Ability to develop standard operating procedures, readiness checklists, and documentation supporting production launch.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, visual reporting tools, and basic modeling techniques.

Essential Mental And Physical Functions

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Able to adjust priorities quickly and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Frequent movement throughout production areas, test environments, and warehouses.
• Ability to observe manufacturing builds and conduct on-site assessments.
• Extended desk and computer work required for planning, documentation, and reporting.

Work Environment

• Performs work across office, test, and manufacturing floor environments.
• Regular presence near moving mechanical equipment and varying noise levels.
• Exposure to temperature fluctuations, dust, and industrial conditions.
• Compliance with safety policies and use of personal protective equipment as required.
• OCCASIONAL evening, weekend, or off-shift work may be necessary to support critical production activities.
• Occasional travel to suppliers or other facilities may be required.