Launch Lead, Rwanda

The role

The Launch Lead will lead the launch of the first Precision Delivery network in Africa starting in Kigali. You will manage an integrated launch roadmap across multiple workstreams to establish an operating model for future expansion across Africa.

What you will do

• Own the successful launch of Zipline's first Precision Delivery network in Africa.
• Build and manage the integrated launch roadmap across multiple workstreams.
• Establish and run the launch operating system including readiness reviews and risk management.
• Own the dependency list against the Precision Delivery platform roadmap with Engineering.
• Get partners live from day one and ensure orders ramp in the first 90 days.
• Ensure launch-critical teams are hired, trained, and certified.
• Translate and adapt the Precision Delivery launch model to Rwanda and Africa.
• Drive post-launch stabilization and lead the transition to steady-state.
• Capture lessons learned to convert into scalable playbooks and readiness standards.

Required qualifications

• 8+ years of experience leading complex operational programs, launches, deployments, infrastructure rollouts, or marketplace/physical network scaling.
• Proven track record of owning complex launches or programs where success depended on aligning multiple teams and resolving ambiguity.
• At least one launch with a hardware or technology-platform dependency.
• Exceptional program management and organizational skills.
• Strong operational judgment.
• Product and demand instincts.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Ability to build structure and create clarity in environments with incomplete information.
• High ownership, resilience, and persistence in fast-moving environments.
• Based in Kigali.

Nice to have

• Experience operating in Rwanda or East Africa, including with regulators or government partners.
• Experience launching infrastructure, logistics networks, or new market operations.
• Background in aviation, robotics, autonomous systems, logistics, or last-mile delivery.
• Experience working with city stakeholders, permitting, or construction workflows.
• Experience working with government stakeholders, regulators, or enterprise customers.
• Background in aviation safety, autonomous-system operations, or large-scale logistics network launches.

About the company

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. They operate an autonomous logistics system to deliver food, medicine, and essential goods.