Director Operations EU

Job description

WHO WE ARE We build the intelligence that lets robots sense, reason, and act in the real world—moving beyond the lab and into everyday industrial settings like warehouses and factories. Our technology closes the automation gaps that traditional systems can't solve. We are on a mission to redefine how physical work gets done, and we're looking for curious, bold leaders to help shape the future of robotics with us. OVERVIEW We are seeking an accomplished Director Operations EU to lead and scale our project delivery organization across Europe. In this role, you will own the strategy, execution, and successful delivery of programs that bring our Cortex 2.0 brain to life across a range of form factors, single-arm systems, dual-arm cells, and mobile manipulation platforms including humanoids. You will build and lead a team of project managers and serve as a senior point of accountability to clients, partners, and the executive team. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with deep technical fluency in robotics or automation, a proven track record of building high-performing delivery organizations, and the executive presence to influence at the board, customer, and shop-floor levels alike. This role requires a high level of ownership and the ability to shape strategy in a fast-paced environment. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES LEADERSHIP & DELIVERY - Build, lead, and mentor a team of project and program managers responsible for end-to-end robotics deployments. - Define the operating model, delivery methodology, and performance standards for the program management function. - Own the portfolio of robotics programs, setting priorities, allocating resources, and balancing delivery against company strategy. - Establish KPIs, governance frameworks, and reporting cadences for leadership and customer visibility. - Oversee the full lifecycle of robotics programs, from feasibility and scoping through deployment and post-launch support. - Drive the deployment of the Cortex 2.0 brain across single-arm, dual-arm, and mobile manipulation form factors, including humanoid platforms. - Coordinate with engineering, software, and operations teams to ensure portfolio success. - Identify and mitigate systemic risks; ensure compliance with safety and industry regulations. - Serve as the senior point of contact and escalation between clients, leadership, and technical teams. - Own commercial outcomes including budget, margin, and timeline performance across the portfolio. - Facilitate problem-solving and drive continuous improvement across teams. - Lead vendor and supplier strategy to ensure timely delivery of components and services. - Stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends in robotics and automation. - Chair technical design reviews and align proposed solutions with business needs and industry standards. - Communicate portfolio status to the executive team, manage escalations, and own risks and delays. - Shape procurement strategy by providing senior technical and commercial guidance. - Willing to travel (~50%) to locations in Europe and occasionally to international sites. QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. - 10+ years of program/project delivery experience in robotics, automation, or industrial engineering, including 5+ years leading teams. SKILLS - Exceptional executive communication skills; English at C2 level, German at B2 level or higher. - Deep understanding of robotics technologies, AI-driven automation, and system integration. - Proven ability to build and scale delivery organizations in a fast-paced environment. - Mastery of program management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, etc.). - Strong commercial acumen with budget ownership and senior stakeholder negotiation experience. - Outstanding leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. - Experience with project management tools (Linear, Jira, Asana, etc.). ADDITIONAL SKILLS / NICE TO HAVE - Experience scaling delivery functions at a robotics, automation, or deep-tech startup. - Experience with AI-based robotics solutions. - Knowledge of regulatory requirements for robotic systems. - Familiarity with programming languages (Python, C++, ROS) is a plus. - Comfortable shifting between detailed technical analysis and high-level strategic thinking. - Strong influencing skills with the ability to connect the dots at an organizational, strategic, and program level. - Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. - Outstanding verbal/written communication and the ability to present to boards and senior leaders. - PMP, PgMP, or similar certification is a plus. OUR INTERVIEW PLAN - Application - Take-home assignment: A short, role-relevant strategic exercise with clear instructions and a deadline. - Cultural fit interview (40 min): A conversation about leadership philosophy, motivation, and what you're looking for. Expect CV highlights, your "why," and time for your questions. - Leadership & technical fit interview (60 min): A deeper dive into your delivery leadership experience and approach to scaling teams. - On-site visit: Meet the team and executive panel in our office and collaborate on a real strategic challenge similar to the work you'd do here. You'll also meet a founder; we aim to give you a clear feel for the role and environment. WHAT WE OFFER - Wellpass (gym membership) - Flexible working hours - Option to work from home when needed - A motivated team and an open corporate culture - Competitive compensation including equity participation, and excellent career development opportunities. --- Note to applicants: We are currently experiencing a high volume of interest in this role. Due to this, our review process is taking a bit longer than usual. We appreciate your patience.