Manager, Head of Central Operations - Drone

Doordash•San Francisco, CA

43d•$136,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DoorDash Labs is an independent team within DoorDash. We explore robotics and automation to transform last-mile logistics in the long term. If you have a passion for applying autonomous technologies in a service used by millions of people, then we want to talk to you! We are hiring for a role which offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of last mile logistics by: Overseeing all operations across drone programs with a focus on reliability, safety, and cost efficiency. Building scalable playbooks, SOPs, and readiness standards that support consistent quality across markets. Creating systems for performance measurement and continuous improvement using data-driven insights. Partnering with Product, Engineering, and Data Science to develop tools and automation that improve operational visibility and reduce manual processes. Leading cross-functional alignment on launch readiness, compliance, and process improvement. Traveling up to 20% of the time This is a hybrid role based in the Bay Area. Regular in-person collaboration with cross-functional partners is required to shape product direction, test workflows, and accelerate decision-making. You're excited about this opportunity because you will… Lead a high-performing team of local and central operators Design and maintain the end-to-end operating model for drone delivery, including site readiness, staffing, and daily execution. Shape how we define, evaluate, and expand new service areas to ensure strong operational performance Support launch readiness across key locations, enabling seamless day-to-day operations Stay close to the consumer experience to ensure we are building the right product to attract and retain customers at scale

Requirements

You Use Data to Drive Action: You're confident in SQL and use data to diagnose problems, prioritize work, and guide decisions
You Build for Scale: You don't just patch issues-you think about how things should work at 10x the volume
You're Curious About Autonomy: You're excited about new technologies and want to help shape how they're used in the real world
You Lead with Clarity: You've led cross-functional groups or coached teams and know how to align others and drive strong execution
You Move Fast-and Bring Others With You: You're action-oriented, collaborative, and know how to keep cross-functional partners in sync
You Understand the Airspace-or Want To: You're interested in how drone delivery fits into real-world regulations and logistics, now and in the future.

Responsibilities

Overseeing all operations across drone programs with a focus on reliability, safety, and cost efficiency.
Building scalable playbooks, SOPs, and readiness standards that support consistent quality across markets.
Creating systems for performance measurement and continuous improvement using data-driven insights.
Partnering with Product, Engineering, and Data Science to develop tools and automation that improve operational visibility and reduce manual processes.
Leading cross-functional alignment on launch readiness, compliance, and process improvement.
Lead a high-performing team of local and central operators
Design and maintain the end-to-end operating model for drone delivery, including site readiness, staffing, and daily execution.
Shape how we define, evaluate, and expand new service areas to ensure strong operational performance
Support launch readiness across key locations, enabling seamless day-to-day operations
Stay close to the consumer experience to ensure we are building the right product to attract and retain customers at scale

Benefits

a 401(k) plan with employer matching
16 weeks of paid parental leave
wellness benefits
commuter benefits match
paid time off and paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act)
medical, dental, and vision benefits
11 paid holidays
disability and basic life insurance
family-forming assistance
a mental health program