Director of Launch Operations

Job ID: 200042153Posted: 2026-07-10Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $130,900 - $251,900 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 4 days / week in-officeRole type: People ManagerTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Sales EnablementDiscipline: Sales ExcellenceCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft Advertising (MSA) is a worldwide Sales, Marketing and Operations organization on the cutting edge of the digital advertising industry. Microsoft Advertising offers a compelling portfolio of advertising products, innovative solutions and the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in the digital space while contributing meaningfully to our purpose of innovating a new world of advertising possibilities to empower growth for all. Microsoft Advertising is the destination for experienced, collaborative, and passionate digital advertising professionals seeking a rewarding career and lifestyle. Who We’re Looking For Microsoft Advertising is seeking a Director of Launch Operations to join the Global Sales Strategy and Enablement organization. Our team drives MSA’s transformation by combining strategy, enablement, and execution to drive performance today and build for tomorrow. We help unlock growth through future ready investments, operating models, next generation sales motions, seller readiness, insight driven enablement—ensuring MSA can operate with agility, scale change, and deliver sustained business results. We make strategy real by equipping sellers to sell. The Director of Launch Operations is a senior people manager responsible for driving enabling the business of today and the future through product and process Go to Market (GTM) governance. The Launch Operations team drives end-to-end operational rigor and change management across product, platform, billing, and regulatory releases, ensuring seamless execution from ideation through adoption across all Microsoft Advertising solutions.In partnership with Engineering, Product, Sales, and key cross-Microsoft stakeholders (including CELA, Corporate Accounting, Finance Operations, SANOps, Treasury, Tax, Privacy and others), Launch Operations operationalizes go-to-market strategy through compliant, scalable processes that ensure accuracy across order-to-cash workflows, revenue recognition, and regulatory requirements. Acting as the connective tissue across a complex partner ecosystem, the team drives alignment, mitigates risk, and ensures accountability; ultimately delivering launches that are operationally sound, financially compliant, and ready for scale.Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.  Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.ResponsibilitiesLaunch Operations Process Governance & Partner EducationLead global end‑to‑end Go-To-Market Launch process governance models, owning the MSA operating model for launch execution (scope, tiers, standards, exit criteria). Clarify ownership boundaries across Product, Product Marketing, Marketing, Engineering, Sales, Global Commercia & Strategy Operations, and corporate Microsoft partners for individual launch responsibilities.Ensure all launches operate within a consistent governance framework, regardless of size or complexity; scaling Launch models and IC coverage to support a high volume of launches.Drive Cross-Functional Alignment & AccountabilityDrive accountability for launch execution health, adherence to launch exit criteria – inclusive of stakeholder acceptance of launch requirements.Ensure all Sales and Customer impacting launches are flowing through the Launch Operations pipes, with a goal of zero launches released without Launch Operations.Influence senior stakeholders across Product and Engineering, Finance and Compliance partners, Sales Strategy, Sales Compensation and Sales Leadership, to resolve systematic friction points and eliminate execution bottlenecks.Orchestrate Product / Seller ReadinessOrchestrate / involve cross‑functional partners (Product Marketing, Marketing, Sales Readiness, Learning and Development) to ensure products land in a way that that helps sellers execute with confidence at scale. Elevate cross-functional gaps, for awareness, using every launch as an opportunity to listen, learn - adjusting governance documentation to help solve for systematic gaps where possible.Strategic Communication & InfluenceReinforce the team’s identity as trusted advisors to sales and go‑to‑market leaders. Communicate effectively with senior leadership, technical teams, and field audiences, both verbally and in writing. Craft compelling context that connects strategic priorities and product capabilities to customer value and business outcomes. Program & Cross‑Functional LeadershipLead large‑scale, cross‑functional programs with end‑to‑end ownership, from problem definition through execution and measurement. Establish clear documentation, operating rhythms, and success measures to manage complex program portfolios. Proactively manage stakeholder expectations, dependencies, and risks while maintaining momentum and trust. People Management & LeadershipFoster an environment of accountability, results, and psychological safety, enabling teams to do their best work. Model Microsoft culture and leadership principles by living the values and setting the standard for impact and integrity. Coach by setting clear objectives, enabling success across boundaries, and helping individuals and teams adapt and learn. Care by attracting, retaining, and developing top talent—understanding individual strengths and aspirations and investing in long‑term growth. QualificationsRequired/minimum qualificationsBachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years experience in sales, sales operations/management, program management, business development, marketing, consulting, or a related field OR equivalent experience.5+ years experience using data to drive business outcomes or inform business decisions.5+ years experience managing relationships with stakeholders, clients, and/or customers.Additional or preferred qualificationsBachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years experience in sales, sales operations/management, program management, business development, marketing, consulting, or a related field OR equivalent experience.5+ years managing projects, including planning, managing timelines, and tracking progress, and/or change management experience.3+ years people management and/or informal/indirect team leadership experience.Proven experience leading complex, cross‑functional programs that span multiple teams, stakeholders, or feature areas, with demonstrated ability to define strategy, evaluate customer and market signals, and prioritize initiatives across a portfolio of work.Demonstrated ability to identify unmet or emerging customer needs through both quantitative (e.g., usage data, telemetry, operational metrics) and qualitative (e.g., customer interviews, listening systems, market trends) insights and translate those needs into scalable solutions or program improvements.Ability to operate effectively in highly ambiguous environments, independently scoping problems, defining success criteria, and driving execution across organizational boundaries.Solid analytical and communication skills, with the ability to use data to tell compelling stories and influence decision‑making at multiple levels of the organization.Proven track record of exceptional performance, high productivity and meeting deadlines in a leadership role; high personal accountability for self and others.Experience in digital advertising, understanding the way customers buy, sellers sell, and what’s required to enable that outputExperience in Sales Operations, GTM strategy, Sales Enablement or similiar.#MicrosoftAI #MicrosoftAdvertisingSales Excellence M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $272,300 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.