The PDMA Handbook of New Product Development

30.5. Choosing Launch Managers

The launch manager is arguably the single most important person for a product's success. An effective launch manager builds a strong, shared vision within the launch team. He/she helps to create a cohesive and committed team, which identifies and aggressively overcomes functional and organizational hurdles to meet the established goals. That individual also serves as the point person responsible for running team meetings and dealing with personnel issues, and ensures communication within the team, within the organization, and with management sponsorship. In short, the launch manager is a people motivator and project manager who understands how to get things done from both a technical and a political standpoint.

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An effective launch manager builds a shared vision, helping create a team which aggressively overcomes hurdles.

A great launch manager can come from any function, as long as that individual has the stature to operate effectively within the organization. The most important skills include leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and project management abilities. Leadership skill enables the launch manager to motivate the launch team. Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills are critical to a leader ensuring that the team works together effectively. Project management skills are critical because launch is a time when numerous activities and related action items must be properly identified, tracked, resolved, and communicated. ...