How to hire a launch manager

How to hire a launch manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step launch manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a launch manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new launch manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a launch manager do?

Post a launch manager job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your launch manager job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a launch manager for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A launch manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, launch managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of launch managers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Launch Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Launch Manager	Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, sales agents, and financial staff members.	$34-82
   Marketing And Operations Manager	A marketing and operations manager handles the marketing program and campaigns of an organization. Marketing and operations managers plan and create production process management, data and analytics, brand compliance, and technology infrastructure... Show more	$34-58
   Business Development Manager	A business development manager's duties include identifying business opportunities, developing effective models and strategies to improve business performance, searching for potential clients to generate income and attract partnerships. A business development manager must have extensive knowledge of the market trends and adjust strategies as needed to meet the needs of the client... Show more	$32-72

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Project Management
   • Lifecycle Management
   • APQP
   • Lean Manufacturing
   • Program Management
   • Product Development
   • Continuous Improvement
   • Channel Marketing
   • PPAP
   • SharePoint
   • Customer Support
   • Process Improvement
   • Launch Process
   • Logistics

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage agency to develop the creative and logistics.
   • Create SQL queries to update and manage critical database tables.
   • Direct all aspects of APQP for the JIT while managing a global supply base.
   • Create SBS WW OEM field scorecard and manage process with OEM CRM team to implement.
   • Manage production planning to ensure medical combination product portfolio on-time delivery to European pharmaceutical clients
   • Participate in various departmental efforts and committees, including project metrics, process improvement and documentation of PMO best practices.

   More launch manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your launch manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A launch manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, launch managers' average salary in hawaii is 34% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level launch managers earn 58% less than senior-level launch managers.
   • Certifications. A launch manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a launch manager's salary.

   Average launch manager salary

   $111,309yearly

   $53.51 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level launch manager salary

   $72,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average launch manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Maryland	$125,315	$60
   2	New Jersey	$124,922	$60
   3	California	$123,588	$59
   4	North Carolina	$118,821	$57
   5	New York	$118,393	$57
   6	Texas	$115,814	$56
   7	South Carolina	$115,603	$56
   8	Washington	$111,261	$53
   9	Nevada	$110,282	$53
   10	Virginia	$109,580	$53
   11	Massachusetts	$108,094	$52
   12	Georgia	$106,569	$51
   13	Florida	$103,315	$50
   14	Illinois	$103,206	$50
   15	Oregon	$102,249	$49
   16	Colorado	$101,537	$49
   17	Michigan	$98,137	$47
   18	Arizona	$98,092	$47
   19	Missouri	$94,287	$45
   20	North Dakota	$94,097	$45

   Average launch manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$152,250	$73.20	629
   2	Google	$149,447	$71.85	317
   3	BP America Inc	$144,501	$69.47	1
   4	Campbell Alliance	$138,734	$66.70
   5	Accenture	$136,566	$65.66	480
   6	Amazon	$127,445	$61.27	952
   7	Microsoft	$125,400	$60.29	216
   8	Avalara	$121,330	$58.33
   9	Appian	$119,247	$57.33	3
   10	Bank of America	$116,156	$55.84	30
   11	Rivian	$114,155	$54.88	5
   12	Enphase Energy	$113,890	$54.75	5
   13	BorgWarner	$113,464	$54.55	1
   14	Lucid Motors	$112,013	$53.85	7
   15	Adidas North America Inc	$107,087	$51.48	4
   16	Motorola Solutions	$105,915	$50.92	40
   17	Aflac	$104,773	$50.37
   18	General Motors	$103,967	$49.98	139
   19	Monsanto	$103,157	$49.59
   20	SpaceX	$103,061	$49.55	9

4. Writing a launch manager job description

   A launch manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a launch manager job description:

   Launch manager job description example

   Helbiz is a multi-modal, international company with a focus on micro-mobility to solve first and last-mile transportation problems. Helbiz offers an array of mobility products including electric scooters and bicycles to cities around the world. We aim to revolutionize mobility in cities and on campuses by offering unique and creative transportation options that are more sustainable, efficient, and affordable.
   
   Helbiz is looking for a motivated, personable leader to join our team as the Launch Manager. You will work with the launch team to lead the expansion across North America. In this position, you will drive key initiatives through research and planning, building and managing the launch team, and working cross-functionally to develop solutions that achieve our goals.
   
   To be successful in this role, you should be innovative, outgoing, persuasive, and have an entrepreneurial attitude. You will be a part of an international, multi-disciplinary team in a rapidly growing micro-mobility industry.
   
   ResponsibilitiesTravel to assist with all North American launches, with support from a team of Launch Managers Play a critical role in developing our expansion strategy in collaboration with the Head of LaunchDevelop and implement policies, procedures, and playbooks to be used in all future market launches Ensure all our commitments to our City partners are met prior to launch Work with our central teams to improve processes and procedures to ensure operational excellence post-launch
   
   RequirementsBachelor's Degree, MBA preferred3-5 years working experience, 1+ launching products/markets Ability to work independently while managing stakeholders remotely Experience working with Senior leadership is highly preferred Strong organization, communication, and presentation skills Willingness to travel 50% of the time
   
   Benefits & PerksOpportunity to join a fast-paced company within a disruptive industry Ability to shape and establish leadership within the organization and industry Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus structure Competitive benefits package including health benefits, PTO & Paid Sick LeaveMonthly Cell Phone bill stipend Friendly, open, and modern office environments Coffee, refreshments, meals, and more
   Helbiz is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Helbiz prohibits the discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find launch managers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any launch managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level launch managers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   To find launch manager candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as swipe files, exit five, marketinghire, american marketing association.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit launch managers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new launch manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect launch manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a launch manager?