Overview As Development Manager Lead, you will guide ground infrastructure projects from site identification through permitting and construction readiness, shaping processes and standards to scale a global autonomous operations network. You'll mentor Development Managers and coordinate with Engineering, Construction, government affairs, and external stakeholders to navigate regulatory environments. This role combines technical leadership with strategic program oversight across multiple projects. You'll drive risk mitigation, process improvement, and executive communication to ensure timely, compliant project delivery. This is a chance to meaningfully expand Zipline's infrastructure to enable faster,更
Compensation / Benefits- starting cash range $205,000-$250,000
- equity compensation
- discretionary bonuses
- sales incentives (where applicable)
- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- paid time off
Responsibilities- Lead the portfolio of ground infrastructure projects from site identification to permitting and construction readiness
- Provide technical leadership on site due diligence, feasibility, design, permitting, and utility coordination
- Standardize development processes, permitting strategies, design standards, and best practices for scalability
- Mentor Development Managers to ensure consistent project execution
- Oversee complex site due diligence (surveys, title review, easements, environmental studies, geotechnical work)
- Review multidisciplinary design packages for constructability, regulatory compliance, and cost objectives
- Build relationships with AHJs, utility providers, consultants, and external stakeholders
- Lead negotiations with regulatory agencies and utilities to resolve permitting challenges
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and remove obstacles
- Identify portfolio risks and develop mitigation plans to protect schedules and budgets
- Communicate status, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and executives
- Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and technical excellence
Key requirements- 8-15+ years leading land or infrastructure development projects through due diligence, permitting, and readiness in complex sectors
- Proven track record delivering multiple concurrent development programs
- Strong technical expertise in civil, structural, electrical, or utility infrastructure development
- Extensive experience with entitlement, permitting, environmental review, and utility processes
- Successful history of negotiations with AHJs, utilities, consultants, and partners
- Experience mentoring or leading technical teams and building high-performing organizations
- Exceptional project, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong executive communication and ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences
- Collaborative leadership style with action orientation and risk-aware judgment
- collaborative leadership
- stakeholder management
- excellent communication
- civil engineering
- structural/electrical/utility infrastructure development
- site due diligence and feasibility
