Precision Delivery Launch Lead

Job Summary

The Precision Delivery Launch Lead governs integrated launch roadmaps, site commissioning checklists, go/no-go safety frameworks, regulatory permits, operational availability dashboards, and transition-to-ops playbooks. Core duties include chairing cross-functional readiness forums; validating physical site handovers (power, communications, and infrastructure); managing government and aviation stakeholder relationships; and packaging lessons learned into scalable deployment templates.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Cross-Functional Program Governance & Ownership

• Own the end-to-end execution and operational accountability of the Kigali Precision Delivery network launch from site setup to stabilized flight operations.
• Chair strict, safety-centered go/no-go governance forums and align cross-functional milestones across Operations, Engineering, Partnerships, and Supply Chain.
• Manage complex technical schedules without direct authority, assigning deliverables, resolving system trade-offs, and holding internal teams and external contractors to timeline commitments.
• Run the launch cadence: direct readiness reviews, manage decision and risk logs, write executive status reports, and execute rapid escalations when targets are missed.

2. Infrastructure Commissioning & Field Operations Validation

• Drive the integrated site readiness roadmap, overseeing the engineering deployment of physical launch assets, backup power, telecommunications, and ground systems.
• Inspect and validate site commissioning, sign off on site handovers, and verify that end-to-end flight, maintenance, and distribution workflows function safely.
• Oversee site staffing plans, operational safety certifications, and specialized academy training timelines to ensure teams are prepared for active launches.
• Establish clear service-level agreements (SLAs), operational availability targets (30/90-day windows), and transition playbooks so local Operations teams can assume long-term ownership of the network.

3. Regulatory Alignment & Strategic Partnerships

• Coordinate closely with in-country Legal, Regulatory, and Government Affairs teams to secure necessary municipal permits and demonstrate strict compliance with national aviation standards.
• Manage expectations and communications with government agencies, health authorities, and key commercial partners during the launch and stabilization phases.
• Convert real-world launch challenges and operational nuances into standardized, reusable templates to accelerate future network rollouts in emerging markets.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Technical Profile & Academic Track

• Professional Program Longevity: A minimum of six (6) years of progressive experience leading complex operational programs, physical infrastructure rollouts, or high-intensity technical launches with ownership of multi-team deliverables.
• Field Deployment Management: Proven history managing field deployments that integrate hardware engineering, logistics operations, external contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Domain Alignment: Direct experience in commercial logistics, aviation-adjacent programs, autonomous vehicle systems, robotics, or complex last-mile delivery networks is highly preferred.
• Program Management Rigor: Mastery of program management methodologies, including dependency mapping, risk mitigation, decision frameworks, and structured readiness reviews.
• Geographic & Legal Capability: Ability to be based full-time in Kigali, travel frequently throughout Rwanda for field-level site work, and work effectively under emerging-market conditions.

Preferred Technical Attributes

• Emerging Market Expertise: Prior experience managing complex infrastructure or tech deployments within African countries or similar emerging markets.
• Permitting & Compliance Track: Practical experience coordinating public-sector customer programs, municipal site permits, or military/civil aviation approvals.
• Safety First Mindset: Strong background in aviation safety management systems (SMS), automated fleet operations, or large-scale warehouse distribution.

What the Zipline Placement Offers

• Global Aviation Frontier: Lead the deployment of the world's most advanced autonomous drone logistics network.
• High-Impact Purpose: Build supply chains that deliver life-saving medicines, vaccines, and essential goods within minutes.
• Strategic Autonomy: Direct multi-team launch operations with high visibility and write the operational playbooks for Zipline's expansion across Africa.

Skills Required:

• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management