POSITION SUMMARY
Lead the day-to-day execution of the Launch Governance function by overseeing customer launches and applicable Change Management initiatives requiring cross-functional implementation, governance, and operational readiness, while ensuring consistent application of governance standards, launch methodologies, and execution discipline across the organization.
This role serves as the primary operational leader for the Launch Governance Team, providing leadership, coaching, escalation support, portfolio oversight, and executive visibility while driving cross-functional alignment, risk mitigation, customer project alignment, expectation management, and successful implementation outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.
The Sr. Manager, Launch Governance is responsible for enabling Implementation Project Managers to perform at their highest level by removing roadblocks, driving accountability, developing talent, and ensuring consistent execution of launch governance standards across the portfolio.
MISSION
Ensure disciplined execution, governance, and successful deployment of Customer Launches and applicable Change Management initiatives through standardized processes, cross-functional alignment, risk management, operational readiness, and post-launch stabilization.
CORE RESPONSABILITIES
Launch Lifecycle Governance & Portfolio Oversight
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Oversee Customer Launches and applicable Change Management initiatives requiring structured governance, cross-functional coordination, and implementation oversight.
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Ensure consistent application of launch governance standards, methodologies, stage-gate requirements, and readiness reviews throughout the project lifecycle.
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Maintain visibility across all phases of delivery including intake, planning, execution, go-live, stabilization, and closure.
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Drive launch readiness, operational readiness, and successful transition into steady-state operations.
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Ensure projects meet governance, operational, financial, and customer readiness requirements prior to progression through key milestones.
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Maintain portfolio visibility and proactively identify risks, constraints, resource challenges, and execution gaps.
Operational & Cross-Functional Readiness
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Ensure operational, financial, and customer requirements are validated throughout the project lifecycle.
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Support alignment of customer expectations, project scope, and operational capabilities.
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Partner with Finance and operational stakeholders to ensure readiness for billing, reporting, and operational transition.
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Monitor post-launch performance, stabilization activities, and closure requirements.
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Escalate readiness concerns that may impact successful implementation or long-term operational performance.
Team Leadership & Development
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Lead, coach, and develop Implementation Project Managers.
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Establish execution standards, governance expectations, and reporting discipline across the team.
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Review project health, risks, timelines, and execution plans.
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Support capability development, succession planning, and implementation excellence within the Launch Governance function.
Risk Management & Escalation Leadership
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Serve as the primary escalation point for complex project, operational, and customer-related challenges.
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Facilitate cross-functional resolution of risks, roadblocks, and execution issues.
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Drive accountability across stakeholder groups to ensure timely resolution of critical actions.
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Maintain visibility of portfolio risks and mitigation strategies.
Customer & Cross-Functional Leadership
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Partner with Operations, Planning, Carrier Management, Client Services, Finance, Commercial, and other Functional Teams to ensure successful execution of launches and supported initiatives.
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Ensure alignment between customer expectations, project scope, and operational readiness.
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Foster collaboration and accountability across all participating functions.
Portfolio Reporting & Executive Visibility
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Maintain portfolio dashboards, governance reports, and launch performance metrics.
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Develop and deliver weekly, monthly, and executive-level portfolio reviews.
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Analyze portfolio trends, resource constraints, risk patterns, and performance indicators.
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Provide actionable insights and recommendations to support leadership decision-making.
Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement
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Maintain and enhance Launch Governance methodologies, tools, templates, reporting standards, and implementation playbooks.
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Launch Governance function.
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Identify opportunities to improve launch execution, governance effectiveness, stabilization performance, and portfolio visibility.
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Support development of scalable processes and best practices that strengthen organizational execution.
KEY DELIVERABLES
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Launch Governance Framework
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Portfolio Reporting
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Launch Readiness Program
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Post Launch Stabilization Program
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Launch Governance Standards
SUCCESS MEASURES
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Launch Performance
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Governance Compliance
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Customer Satisfaction
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Portfolio Visibility
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Team Effectiveness
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Required: Bachelor's Degree in International Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
Preferred: MBA or advanced degree in Project Management, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related discipline.
Professional Experience
Required:
- 8+ years of progressive experience across project management, program management, operations, supply chain, logistics, transportation, customer implementations, business transformation, or related operational environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, operational dependencies, and executive visibility.
- Experience managing projects and programs through the full lifecycle, including intake, planning, execution, go-live, stabilization, and closure.
- Experience working directly with customers and internal stakeholders to align requirements, manage expectations, resolve issues, and drive successful outcomes.
- Experience facilitating governance reviews, risk management activities, executive discussions, and cross-functional decision-making.
- Experience developing processes, governance frameworks, reporting structures, standards, and best practices that improve organizational execution.
- Strong understanding of transportation, logistics, supply chain, and operational environments.
Preferred:
• Experience leading customer-facing implementations, launch programs, or strategic operational initiatives.
- Experience supporting organizational change, business transformation, operational readiness, or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience leading teams, coaching project/program managers, or developing operational talent.
Launch Governance & Execution Mindset
Demonstrated ability to establish structure, drive accountability, and ensure disciplined execution across complex initiatives.
Ability to balance governance requirements with operational realities while maintaining focus on customer outcomes, organizational priorities, and successful project delivery.
Demonstrates strong ownership, sound judgment, resilience under pressure, and the ability to effectively navigate ambiguity, conflict, and competing priorities.
Project & Program Management
Required:
- Advanced knowledge of project and program management principles, methodologies, governance frameworks, and portfolio management practices.
- Experience managing project portfolios, governance reviews, resource prioritization, executive reporting, and cross-functional execution.
- Experience leading initiatives through the full project lifecycle, including intake, planning, execution, go-live, stabilization, and closure.
- PMP Certification.
Preferred:
• Agile, Scrum, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent project/program management training.
Technical Skills
Required:
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including portfolio analysis, reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
- Advanced Microsoft PowerPoint skills with the ability to develop executive-level presentations, business cases, and governance materials.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and business documentation standards.
- Experience developing portfolio dashboards, executive scorecards, reporting frameworks, and governance reporting mechanisms.
- Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to translate complex information into actionable recommendations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive presentations, customer communications, and stakeholder engagement.
Preferred:
- Experience with Smartsheet, Power BI, Optimiz, or similar portfolio management, reporting, analytics, and performance tracking platforms.
- Experience developing executive dashboards and portfolio reporting frameworks.
- Experience utilizing data analytics to support prioritization, decision-making, and governance oversight.
Language Requirements
Required:
- Professional fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
- Ability to effectively communicate, facilitate meetings, develop business documentation, deliver presentations, and engage with customers and stakeholders in both languages.
Travel Requirements
Required:
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to support customer engagements, launch governance activities, operational reviews, leadership meetings, site visits, and strategic business initiatives
- Travel requirements may vary based on portfolio demands, customer needs, and business priorities.
Leadership Competencies
Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills across all organizational levels.- Customer relationship management and expectation management.
- Conflict resolution, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Strategic thinking and sound decision-making.
- Ability to influence and drive accountability without formal authority.
- Strong organizational awareness and cross-functional leadership.
- Portfolio prioritization and resource balancing.
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and composure under pressure.
- Talent development, coaching, and team leadership.
- Strong ownership mentality with a bias toward execution and results.
- Ability to establish structure, maintain discipline, and drive continuous improvement.
