About the Role
Zipline is transforming global logistics through autonomous, on-demand delivery. As we enter our largest build period in Africa, we are opening over 20 new distribution sites and launching our first Precision Delivery network in Kigali. We are looking for an exceptional Head of Deployments, Africa to own every launch from signed contract to a certified, operating site, ensuring each is faster and more repeatable than the last.
Key Responsibilities- Lead parallel launch programmes across Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, managing land acquisition, permitting, construction, power, and commissioning.
- Drive the deployment playbook and standard bill of materials, productising the process to accelerate future launches.
- Run our first Precision Delivery launch in Kigali as a dedicated workstream with strict go/no-go gates.
- Hand over fully operational sites through a formal acceptance gate, ensuring zero open defects in the first 90 days.
- Build, scale, and lead a flexible team of permanent staff, in-country launch pods, and contract build labour.
- Partner closely with Country Directors, government regulators, supply chain teams, and engineering to clear all project blockers.
- 12-15+ years of experience delivering multi-site infrastructure or network build programmes at scale, such as telecom rollouts or logistics hubs.
- Extensive hands-on build experience in Africa, with strong expertise in West African regulatory and operating environments.
- Proven track record of managing parallel infrastructure builds against strict contractual deadlines.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills with senior commercial leaders and government officials.
- Ability to operate at both a strategic leadership level and a hands-on site management level.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to lead high-impact, life-saving infrastructure projects across the African continent.
- Work with a world-class, mission-driven team pioneering autonomous delivery technology.