Overview
RIVR is a Swiss robotics company pioneering Physical AI and robotic solutions to revolutionize last-mile delivery. We combine artificial neural networks with innovative robot designs to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in last-mile delivery. Founded as Swiss-Mile and rebranded to RIVR in 2025, we are leaders in translating artificial intelligence and robotics into practical, real-world applications, with notable contributions from ETH Zurich.
RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you’re passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.
Job Description
As the Launch Manager, you will oversee RIVR’s launch operations from our Zurich site. The role is based in Zurich and requires significant travel (approximately 50%) to new launch locations globally to lead the setup of local operations. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with excellent problem-solving skills, a background in autonomous logistics (ideally with a focus on the last mile problem), a deep understanding of business processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will work hands-on in a dynamic, agile environment to meet deployment and scaling goals, while also supporting deployments in Switzerland when not traveling. This role is crucial for optimizing operational workflows, managing resources, and ensuring we meet our goals and partner needs.
What you’ll be doing
* Launch Management: Prepare and manage new deployments across locations, including planning operations, preparing equipment and resources, project management, and testing.
* Operational Process Optimisation: Design, implement, and monitor procedures to maximise efficiency, safety, quality, and throughput, and address bottlenecks in field and remote operations.
* Resource Allocation: Manage and allocate deployment resources, including personnel, shifts/schedules, equipment, and materials, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
* Budget & Financial Oversight: Assist in creating and managing the site operations budget, tracking hours, overtime, and OPEX spends, and identifying cost-saving opportunities to build lean, scalable operations.
* Partner Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, ensuring satisfaction, achieving throughput targets, and meeting SLAs.
* Logistics: Manage the flow of robots and spare parts to the launch site from RIVR sites and third-party suppliers.
* Data Analysis & Reporting: Collect and analyse operational data to create reports for internal stakeholders, providing insights and recommendations for strategic decisions.
* Safety & Compliance: Ensure all operational activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and safety standards.
What you must have
* Experience: Operations Manager experience in the logistics field and/or autonomous vehicles/fleet management (bonus points for last-mile experience).
* Education: Bachelor's Degree or higher.
* Language: Knowledge of basic German and working proficiency in English.
* Driving: Driving license valid for Switzerland and Europe.
* Travel: Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% of the time to global launch sites.
Get some bonus points
* Experience as a launch manager for robots or autonomous vehicles.
* Experience with operations and autonomous vehicles, specifically in last-mile deliveries.
We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.
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