Regional Lead, European Commercial Facilities Program

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions‑free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

The Lead, Development, Commercial Facilities (Lead) will steward the physical foundation of Rivian's European market entry. This strategic role represents Rivian’s interests in the design, execution, and strategy of all commercial capital expenditure—including Sales, Service, Delivery, and Parts Distribution facilities—across diverse European markets and jurisdictions.

You will orchestrate our regional build program: establishing a bridge between our global brand and local execution, qualifying a localized vendor base, and translating regional regulatory insights into actionable playbooks. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced program leader to navigate the complexities of multiple countries by partnering with 3rd party experts to deliver aggressive results. While initially an individual contributor, success in this role offers a high‑potential leadership track to build and manage a dedicated regional Development team.

Regional Governance & Standards

• Facilitate Standards:
  In collaboration with our central team, facilitate the implementation of scalable regional design and construction standards. Ensure these standards are flexible enough to integrate local cultural requirements and country‑specific codes while maintaining Rivian's global brand identity.
• Regulatory Representation:
  Cultivate strategic top‑down relationships with key regulatory bodies (e.g., utility companies, regional permitting authorities) in priority expansion countries to streamline approvals through local partnership.
• Utility Coordination:
  Lead technical negotiations with utilities, DNOs, and Grid Operators across the region. Partner with local specialists to secure high‑voltage power capacity and ensure infrastructure aligns with future EV charging requirements.

Supply Chain & Commercial Readiness

• Vendor Mentorship:
  In collaboration with our Purchasing team, qualify and onboard a high‑performing European vendor base (design firms, general contractors, and consultants). Act as the primary point of contact to ensure these partners are trained to deliver Rivian’s specific technical requirements.

Project Delivery & Technical Translation

• Program Representation:
  Serve as the central program lead, balancing stakeholder requirements and core deadlines across a multi‑site, multi‑country portfolio.
• Technical Integration:
  Oversee the technical specification and engineering validation of facility designs. Act as the translator between global design intent and local European regulatory codes (e.g., Eurocodes, national fire/safety standards) to maximize operational efficiency.
• Risk Stewardship:
  Partner with local engineering firms to mitigate technical risk by facilitating rigorous design reviews and contracting best practices (e.g., Novated vs. Traditional contracts).
• Financial & Timeline Oversight:
  Drive risk mitigation strategies to address project delays or financial overages, accounting for currency fluctuations and varying construction cost indices across the region.

Operational Execution

• Hands‑on Support:
  Oversee work streams while personally executing day‑to‑day tasks during the European ramp‑up. Tasks include concept design, on‑site due diligence, schedule creation, estimate validation, drawing set review, and overseeing the bidding process with local partners.

• Experience:
  
  Minimum 10 years of progressive experience leading complex, multi‑site design and construction programs across diverse European jurisdictions (e.g., EU, UK, and/or Scandinavia).
• Regional Expertise:
  Demonstrated knowledge in navigating the distinct permitting, utility coordination, and contract law complexities…