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RIVR · 1 month ago

Launch Manager (US Launch Team)

Austin, Texas

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

RIVR is a Swiss robotics company pioneering Physical AI and robotic solutions to revolutionize last-mile delivery. As a Launch Manager, you will lead RIVR’s first deployments in the United States, managing site planning, execution, and ensuring operational readiness for local operations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Information TechnologyManufacturingRobotics

Responsibilities

Design and own the launch plans: Translate company goals and site selections into a concrete, phased plan covering preparation, pilot, and early scale-up stages (0–6 months). Define key activities, milestones, dependencies, and deliverables to ensure readiness for launch

Identify and secure launch sites: Conduct on-the-ground scouting and evaluation of potential deployment areas, considering logistics, regulatory feasibility, and infrastructure needs. Negotiate site access and local partnerships as needed

Lead end-to-end launch execution: Coordinate all activities across internal and external stakeholders, ensuring readiness of robots, infrastructure, and local support functions before launch

Drive daily field operations: Act as the operational lead during the launch phase, ensuring all systems run smoothly, issues are resolved quickly, and field feedback is systematically captured and shared with Engineering

Manage and monitor budgets: Own the initial deployment budget, tracking spend, identifying efficiencies, and ensuring a lean and cost-effective setup

Build and coordinate the local launch team: Support hiring, onboarding, and training of local field operators or technicians. Define team workflows, shift plans, and escalation processes to maintain operational continuity

Establish KPIs and reporting: Develop early success metrics (e.g., uptime, delivery reliability, cost per route) and report on progress to leadership, proposing corrective actions when needed

Ensure compliance and safety: Guarantee that all launch activities comply with local regulations, safety standards, and company policies. Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams to secure necessary permits or authorizations

Create scalable launch playbooks: Document learnings, best practices, and process templates to accelerate future market entries

Transition to steady-state operations: Once the launch is stable and KPIs are met, lead the structured handover to the local Operations Manager, ensuring full knowledge transfer and a smooth transition (3–6 months)

Qualification

Operations managementProject managementCross-functional coordinationLogistics experienceStakeholder managementFinancial trackingTechnical curiosityCompliance knowledgeSafety standards knowledgeCity-permitting processesCommunication skills