Launch Manager

Job Description:

The Launch Manager leads cross-functional operational readiness for introducing new or revised heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning products into manufacturing. This position ensures production capabilities, materials, staffing, equipment, quality processes, and facility needs are prepared to support a smooth transition from planning through start of production. The role coordinates detailed readiness activities, monitors risks, resolves issues, and provides data-driven insights on capacity and performance. The Launch Manager contributes to department objectives by ensuring that product launches meet targets for timing, cost, and quality.

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.
• Coordinates 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.
• Partners with engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, maintenance, and program management teams to achieve launch performance goals.
• Ensures alignment between production needs, facility capabilities, and workforce availability during ramp-up.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience 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.
• Ability 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.