Service Activation Manager, East

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.

Summary As a Service Activation Manager, you are the leader of a high-impact, specialized team deployed to our most critical field challenges and opportunities. This is a strategic leadership role for a master operator who excels at directing an elite team to launch new sites with excellence and restore underperforming markets to peak health. You will lead a dedicated team of cross-functionally trained Service Activation Specialists, deploying them across the network to solve complex problems. While you will personally direct efforts from the points of greatest need, your primary function is to act as a force multiplier, directing your team's efforts to drive operational success across multiple markets simultaneously.

Team Leadership & Deployment Lead, coach, and develop a dedicated team of elite, cross-functionally trained Activation Leads. Strategically deploy your team members across the network to address the most critical business needs, balancing new site openings and market recovery efforts. Manage the team's performance, professional development, and operational readiness. New Site Activation & Market Recovery Oversee and direct all activation projects, holding equal responsibility for both the flawless launch of new service centers (NSO) and the rapid turnaround of underperforming markets. For NSOs, direct your team to execute the end-to-end operational stand-up, from site readiness to grand opening, ensuring adherence to Rivian standards. For market recovery, deploy your team to conduct rapid diagnostics and execute targeted turnaround plans in partnership with local and regional leadership. Strategic Coaching & Standardization Act as a senior operational coach to local leadership teams, using your team's deployment as an opportunity to upskill the entire site. Leverage insights from both NSO and recovery projects to identify systemic issues and partner with central operations teams to improve our standard operating procedures. Implement standardized work and best practices consistently across all projects, ensuring sustainable improvement.

Extensive experience in service operations, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects or multi-site operations. Demonstrated experience leading specialized or high-performing technical teams. Deep, practical knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Strong strategic planning and resource management skills, with the ability to deploy teams effectively against competing priorities. A willingness and ability to travel extensively as required by business needs. Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field. This is who you are: A Force Multiplier: You excel at leading an expert team, deploying them strategically to create an impact far greater than your individual contribution. A Master Diagnostician: You can quickly and accurately identify the root cause of complex operational problems, from workflow bottlenecks to team performance issues. An Influential Coach: You are a gifted teacher who can effectively mentor and develop both your own team and local leaders, building capability across the organization. A Resilient Leader: You are calm and focused under pressure, thriving in ambiguous, high-stakes environments and bringing a sense of order and purpose. An Agent of Standardization: You believe in the power of process and work to implement