Principal, Commercial Readiness & Launch | Copperleaf

About the role

We are seeking a Principal for Commercial Readiness & Launch to spearhead the critical moment when our enterprise software meets the market. This senior leadership position involves coordinating various functions to ensure successful product launches, aligning stakeholders, and managing the entire commercial readiness framework for our product offerings.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the comprehensive commercial readiness framework by establishing criteria for launch readiness across various departments such as Product, Sales, Marketing, and Support, ensuring all meet deadlines.
• Conduct structured reviews for launches, including readiness assessments and executive approvals, adapting processes for both major and minor releases.
• Proactively identify potential gaps in readiness and mobilize teams to address them before they escalate on launch day.
• Develop standardized templates and processes for launch readiness that can be applied across the product portfolio.
• Plan and manage product launches from start to finish, including tracking cross-functional tasks, managing dependencies, and coordinating with R&D for release packaging.
• Facilitate launch execution across globally distributed teams, utilizing agile methodologies and tools for visibility and tracking.
• Ensure readiness for sales and customer-facing teams, coordinating enablement programs and feedback loops into the launch strategy.
• Manage the launch calendar, balancing resources and timelines to ensure multiple launches are executed successfully.
• Act as the main point of accountability for launch programs, providing regular updates to stakeholders at all levels.
• Align various teams, including Product Management and Customer Experience, around a unified launch plan while negotiating resources and timelines.
• Deliver monthly reports on launch program status, including budget performance and risk assessments.
• Oversee budgets and resource allocation for launch programs, ensuring the right skills are available for successful delivery.
• Manage expectations with key customers during launch periods, utilizing experience from previous direct customer interactions.
• Conduct post-launch evaluations to track adoption and performance metrics, integrating insights back into the readiness framework.

Success in the First 12 Months Looks Like

• Implementation of a commercial readiness framework and launch playbook recognized as the standard across the product line.
• Timely execution of all major launches within the year, with all readiness criteria met and no last-minute issues.
• Stakeholders consistently referring to a single source of truth for launch status and budget updates.
• Improvement in post-launch metrics such as pipeline readiness and customer adoption tracked over successive launches.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise software delivery, with a strong background as a senior technical project or program manager on large-scale initiatives.
• PMP certification or equivalent, demonstrating proficiency in both agile and traditional project management methodologies.
• Proven success in delivering multiple concurrent large-scale programs on time and within budget.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across various time zones, including roles in R&D and customer-facing departments.
• Experience managing significant budgets, including forecasting and reporting on financial performance.
• Familiarity with ERP/EAM or similar enterprise software and the relevant industries it serves, such as utilities or transportation.
• Technical understanding of integration design, system administration, or custom development to effectively communicate with engineering teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of engaging with teams at all levels.
• Proficiency in Jira, Confluence, and modern project management tools; comfortable utilizing AI tools to enhance program efficiency.

Nice to have

• Experience with formal methodologies for software program governance.
• Background in customer implementation or consulting, with firsthand knowledge of launch readiness from the client perspective.
• Experience in establishing PMO standards and processes adopted across an organization.
• Knowledge of change management and user adoption strategies.
• Experience with entrepreneurial ventures or product ownership.
• International work experience and adaptability to diverse cultural environments.

What We're Offering

• Salary Range: $150,000 to $185,000 annually plus bonus
• Flexible paid time off, including sick leave and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K plan with company contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition assistance programs
• Opportunities for community involvement and volunteer events

At IFS, we value flexibility and inclusivity in the workplace. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

We may automated tools, including AI, as part of our recruitment process to screen applications based on job-related criteria. However, all hiring decisions will be made by members of our hiring team.

Join us at IFS, where you can contribute to a diverse and innovative environment and make a meaningful impact in the world.