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.