Launch manager vs category manager

The differences between launch managers and category managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 8-10 years to become both a launch manager and a category manager. Additionally, a launch manager has an average salary of $111,309, which is higher than the $102,035 average annual salary of a category manager.

The top three skills for a launch manager include project management, lifecycle management and APQP. The most important skills for a category manager are strategic sourcing, category strategy, and supplier performance.

Launch manager vs category manager overview

	Launch Manager	Category Manager
Yearly salary	$111,309	$102,035
Hourly rate	$53.51	$49.06
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	109,170	108,424
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	10	10

What does a launch manager do?

A launch manager is primarily in charge of overseeing and spearheading the efforts in introducing new products and services to the market. Their responsibilities include setting objectives, performing research and analysis to establish marketing plans, coordinating with different teams in finding and developing marketing opportunities, managing timelines and budgets, supervising promotional procedures, and conducting inspections to ensure the quality and readiness of products and services for launch. Furthermore, as a launch manager, it is essential to lead and encourage teams to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a category manager do?

Category managers are usually employed in the retail industry. They are primarily responsible for the sales enhancement of a specific group of products. The managers are involved in pricing, marketing, inventory, and vendor management. Their daily tasks include meeting with suppliers to talk about the plans, conducting orientation to the market research company, and updating category reports. Qualified applicants must have a degree in business administration or a related field as well as relevant job experience in a related job.

Launch manager vs category manager salary

Launch managers and category managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Launch Manager	Category Manager
Average salary	$111,309	$102,035
Salary range	Between $72,000 And $171,000	Between $74,000 And $138,000
Highest paying City	Annapolis, MD	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Nevada
Best paying company	Meta	McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between launch manager and category manager education

There are a few differences between a launch manager and a category manager in terms of educational background:

	Launch Manager	Category Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Georgia	University of Georgia

Launch manager vs category manager demographics

Here are the differences between launch managers' and category managers' demographics:

	Launch Manager	Category Manager
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 73.4% Female, 26.6%	Male, 55.7% Female, 44.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between launch manager and category manager duties and responsibilities

Launch manager example 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.

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Category manager example responsibilities.

Lead team to manage predominantly seasonal fashion apparel by reacting to trends with appropriate buys and proactive exit strategies.
Manage and create purchase plans and OTB's.
Design and manage all BTL plans for the brands.
Manage multiple sources of data to mine for business voids and opportunities at both macro and micro levels.
Deliver profit and sales forecasts, manage merchandising budget, and used IRI data to produce optimal product mix.
Lead a high performance jewelry merchandising team in a digital commerce environment through television, e-commerce, and social media.

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Launch manager vs category manager skills

Common launch manager skills

Project Management, 17%
Lifecycle Management, 8%
APQP, 6%
Lean Manufacturing, 6%
Program Management, 6%
Product Development, 5%

Common category manager skills

Strategic Sourcing, 8%
Category Strategy, 8%
Supplier Performance, 5%
Supplier Relationships, 4%
Customer Service, 4%
Cost Savings, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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