Launch Manager

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

6h•$97,600 - $206,400

About The Position

Microsoft Operations is seeking a highly motivated individual to manage the launch of initiatives across the Microsoft global business. This role is part of a fast-paced, results-oriented group that interacts with various corporate stakeholder groups, including Finance, Business, Engineering, Marketing, and Support, to ensure launches are operationalized with efficiency and a focus on partners and customers. The position offers an excellent opportunity to learn about Microsoft's diverse operations while driving world-class operational processes and systems. The team provides unique opportunities to work on interesting global projects in an environment that values diversity, talent development, and recognizes great work. The Planning & Launch team aims to make doing business with Microsoft easy. The role is responsible for leading across all facets of launch, from project plan creation to final execution. The experienced individual will build strong relationships with counterparts, lead discussions to operationalize work impacting business vision and strategy, and manage a launch team to bring changes to market. This includes tracking risks/issues, ensuring delivery excellence, supporting the discipline of launch through artifact authoring and management, and partnering with the broader launch community for process improvements and documentation. A key aspect is supporting commercial business priorities to enable growth through the partner ecosystem. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we foster a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to achieve shared goals, upholding values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create an inclusive culture.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Operations, Business Supply Chain, Finance, Business Management, Accounting, Human Resources (HR), Organizational Development or related field AND 4+ years experience in operations or process design or program/project management OR equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Management, Business Administration, or related field AND 6+ years experience in operations or process design or program/project management OR Bachelor's Degree in Operations, Business Supply Chain, Finance, Business Management, Accounting, Human Resources (HR), Organizational Development or related field AND 8+ years experience in operations or process design or program/project management OR equivalent experience.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, PMI Certification, or equivalent.
Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent.
Experience driving continuous improvement & delivery against agreed objectives.
Ability to manage short, medium, and long-term planning horizons concurrently.
Proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels across the organization is essential.
Negotiation skills with an ability to impact and influence at a senior level.

Responsibilities

Run project launch teams, facilitating effective meetings and driving key decisions with stakeholders to ensure a solid Plan of Record & schedule.
Drive accountability across various work streams throughout the launch process.
Identify requirements and document a working Plan of Record, driving change control, managing issues and escalation, triage, cross-group coordination, and milestone management.
Identify and manage project risks to reduce escalations and poor experience due to gaps in understanding or adherence to process.
Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, managing relationships and expectations.
Serve as a single point of contact for queries and escalations related to the project.
Create required artifacts and actively participate in all reporting requirements.
Provide global communications that reach appropriate levels of the organization.