Project Manager + Small Business Consultant

The Project Manager & Small Business Consultant role at Launch Industries LLC focuses on executing client projects (80%), improving internal operations (10%), and professional development (10%). Responsibilities include business process optimization, HR consulting, startup assistance, and RFP/grant support. Ideal candidates possess a "Founder Mindset," project management experience, and adaptability. Located in West Seattle, WA, the role offers hybrid/remote flexibility after onboarding.

Launch Industries is a Washington State social enterprise providing direct consulting, technical assistance, and contract business services to small and medium-sized businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and membership-based organizations. We are DBE-certified, WBE-certified, and micro-certified, and are passionate about partnering with organizations who share our commitment to social responsibility and positive impact. Launch Industries operates at the nexus of the bureaucratic public sector, the mission-driven nonprofit sector, and the purpose-driven for-profit small business sector. As an unfunded, purpose-driven consulting firm ourselves, we are committed to creating workplaces that work for everyone by supporting purpose-driven leaders and businesses in building tech-enabled, inclusive, and sustainable organizations. Our DEI Commitment - We operate with the notion that we are better together. This principle drives our commitment to working with historically oppressed groups and unites us in building a diverse workforce that empowers black, brown, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities. We aim to create positive, lasting change and challenge the unconscious practices of white supremacy that exist in everyday business. At Launch, everyone's humanity is valued, everyone is cared for, and all identities are safe. Our team is composed of business owners, builders, and problem solvers who share a "Founder Mindset." We hire individuals who understand the value of every hour billed and who bring an entrepreneurial spirit to their work. There's little middle management here—just a team of resourceful, empathetic professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment.

Your role is pivotal in driving the successful execution of a diverse portfolio of client projects while contributing to internal operations and professional development. You will collaborate across time zones and teams to deliver impactful solutions, making your contributions both meaningful and enjoyable.

At Launch Industries, we believe in fostering a learning organization, where every team member builds expertise over time. You don't need to be a subject-matter expert in every area—we value professionals who are eager to learn, adapt, and bring strengths in some of the core focus areas below.

A Few Details

Reports To: Principal / Founder

Primary Location: West Seattle, WA (the majority of hours are initially required to be in-person for a lengthy onboarding/training period; as the consultant gains independence, the role transitions to a more flexible location but may still require multiple in-office days each week.

Secondary Location(s): Some work takes place in the field, meeting clients at their workplaces, meeting for coffee, attending networking events, tabling at community outreach events, etc.

This role operates on an 80/10/10 model, with approximately:

• 80% Client Execution: Solving problems, building systems, and delivering value directly to clients.
• 10% Internal Operations: Strengthening the Launch Industries mothership
• 10% Professional Development: Paid time for professional development to learn, grow, and bring new skills back to the team. 10% to professional development, ensuring a well-rounded and growth-oriented experience.

Employment Status: Full-time employment is generally available as workload permits; however, we are seeking a flexible professional who can adapt to varying client needs. Typically, the more skills and flexibility you bring to the role or develop over time, the easier it becomes to fill your hours with client-facing projects and responsibilities. This flexibility allows for alignment between your expertise and client demands, ensuring a productive and dynamic workload.

Operational Excellence & Process Optimization

• Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve operational efficiency and scalability for clients.
• Analyze and optimize business processes to enhance workflows and productivity.
• Recommend and assist in adopting technology tools to streamline and strengthen client operations.
• Develop comprehensive documentation to support sustainable client business models.

Human Resources Consulting

• Provide guidance at every stage of the employee life cycle, including recruiting strategies, onboarding processes, and performance management.
• Advise clients on HR compliance, benefits programs, and organizational structure improvements.
• Create training plans and employee engagement initiatives tailored to client goals.
• Support thoughtful and compliant exit processes to ensure smooth transitions.

Marketing, Branding, & Business Development

• Assist clients in developing and launching their brands online, including logo design, social media setup, and brand kit creation.
• Support the creation of marketing materials, plans, and calendars tailored to client objectives.
• Provide strategic advice on improving brand presence and driving business growth.

Startup Assistance

• Guide small businesses through the "red tape" of formation, including filing with the Secretary of State, obtaining federal EINs, and securing necessary licenses.
• Provide foundational setup support to ensure clients can establish and grow their organizations effectively.
• Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and comprehensive documentation to make client businesses scalable.

Project Management

• Lead client projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery of quality results.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to align project objectives with overall goals.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.

RFP & Grant Support

• Research and assist clients in responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and grant opportunities.
• Guide clients in creating competitive, well-structured submissions that align with eligibility requirements.
• Provide strategic support in identifying funding opportunities and drafting proposals.

Internal Operations (10%)

• Contribute to improving internal processes and systems to enhance operational efficiency at Launch Industries.
• Transform your client wins into institutional knowledge. Write templates and case studies that make the whole team smarter.
• Oversee backend services, such as compliance management, to ensure smooth internal operations.

Professional Development (10%)

• Future-Proofing: Dedicate 10% of your time to deep work learning and upskilling in areas such as mastering AI prompting (for example: ChatGPT), researching new HR rules, grant writing, earning certifications, and industry best practices.
• The Teach-Back: Synthesize your learning and share it with the team through internal workshops to elevate the team's collective capability, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collective growth.

• 5+ years of experience in project management, operations, or consulting.
• Familiarity with business processes, process improvement, HR strategies, marketing, and operational optimization.
• Prior experience as a business owner or early-stage startup employee is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to pivot between structured compliance frameworks (e.g., government contracting) and dynamic, startup-like environments.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage diverse client needs.
• Gov Con Literacy: Demonstrated understanding of the government contracting lifecycle , RFPs) is ideal.

We are a "best in class" shop. While specific experience in the tools we use is not required, familiarity with similar platforms is a plus. Familiarity with the following is a major plus:

• Hardware: MacOS and iOS
• Project & Operations Tools: ClickUp, Notion, 1Password, Google Workspace
• Communication Tools: Slack, Zoom, Loom, Fellow, Fathom
• Finance & Sales: QBO, Harvest, Nutshell
• Creative & AI: Gemini, ChatGPT, Canva, etc.

• You thrive with change and are comfortable in the unknown: You are a Project Manager & Consultant who refuses to be boxed into a single department. You are 40% Project Manager, 30% Operations Architect, 20% Specialist, and 10% Futurist.
• Recovering Entrepreneur: You've been part of a startup or have owned your own business and understand the agility required to adapt and problem-solve in real time.
• Strategist and Doer: You can think at a high level and then execute the details, whether that's developing a business process or setting up a project management tool.
• Empathetic Operator: You understand that behind every "business problem" is a human being trying to build a livelihood. You work to provide value-driven solutions.
• Execution Mindset: You are comfortable shifting from high-level strategy to granular data entry. You don't just recommend the software; you set it up.
• Joyful Professional: You bring energy, humor, humanity, and a positive attitude to the team, even when navigating bureaucracy or complex challenges.

At Launch Industries, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Work on meaningful projects that empower small businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations.
• Learn and grow in a collaborative, supportive environment that prioritizes professional development.
• Be part of a purpose-driven organization that values innovation, inclusion, and workplace joy.

If you're ready to make an impact and grow alongside an inspiring team, join us in creating workplaces that work for everyone Apply now to be a part of Launch Industries LLC's exciting journey toward a more inclusive and joyful future.

• Health Plan Reimbursement: Pre-tax reimbursement of up to $300/month for premiums of ACA-compliant individual health insurance plans via an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA).
• Telehealth, Telecounseling, & Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free access to telehealth, counseling, work-life resources, crisis support, and prescription discounts. Includes additional options like pet telehealth or free prescriptions for a small fee.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan:
• Traditional and Roth options available.
• Company match: 100% of contributions on the first 3% deferred, then 50% on contributions from 3% to 5%.
• No vesting schedule; contributions are portable if you leave the company.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based system with a maximum carryover of 120 hours. Unused PTO is paid out upon termination.
• Holidays: Paid holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Floating Holidays: Employees can convert unused holiday hours to floating holidays.
• Personal Holiday: One paid personal holiday/birthday per year.
• Bereavement Leave: Up to one week, including 24 hours of paid time, for the loss of an immediate family member.

• Matching Funds Charitable Giving Program: Dollar-for-dollar matching of employee donations to eligible nonprofits, up to $1,000 per year.

• Training and Development: Opportunities for employees to request funding for certifications, courses, or training programs that align with their roles and career goals.

• Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML): Employees are eligible for state-provided paid leave for health, family, or military-related needs.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Work schedules and locations can accommodate personal and professional needs.
• Unpaid Leave Options: Includes protected leave for military, jury duty, voting, and emergency services, as well as unprotected leave options for personal needs.
• Matching for Professional Growth: Employees are encouraged to dedicate time to learning and skill-building, including mastery of tools like AI.

This benefits package reflects Launch Industries' commitment to fostering employee well-being, growth, and work-life balance. For full details, employees are encouraged to review the Employee Handbook or contact HR directly.

$30 - $37.5 per hour