Quick overview
Job description
Director, Founder's Office (Last Mile & Delivery)
Location: Nine Elms, London
Working Pattern: Full-time, on-site
About Zapp
Zapp is on a mission to redefine on-demand retail. We deliver everyday essentials to customers' doors in minutes, combining technology, operational excellence, and an uncompromising focus on customer experience.
We're building a business where speed, reliability, and quality go hand in hand — and our Founder’s Office is at the heart of making that happen.
The Role
We're looking for an exceptional Director, Founder's Office (Last Mile & Delivery) to work directly with our Founder on shaping the future of one of the most critical areas of our business.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced last mile and delivery operations leader who wants to take the next step in their career, explore their entrepreneurial ambitions, and gain first-hand experience working alongside a Founder to build and scale a high-growth business.
You'll operate at the intersection of strategy, operations, technology, and commercial performance, working closely with the Founder to identify opportunities, challenge conventional thinking, and drive high-impact initiatives across our delivery ecosystem.
From rethinking our delivery operating model and partner strategy to unlocking step-change improvements in end-to-end delivery speed, customer experience, and unit economics, you'll have the autonomy to tackle complex business challenges and turn ambitious ideas into measurable results.
This is not a traditional functional leadership role. We're looking for someone with deep, hands-on experience in last mile and delivery operations who is ready to broaden their perspective, think like an entrepreneur, and learn directly from the Founder while making a meaningful impact on the business.
What You'll Do
Shape Last Mile & Delivery Strategy
Work directly with the Founder to define and drive strategic priorities across last mile and delivery operations.
Evaluate and challenge existing operating models, identifying opportunities to transform delivery speed, reliability, scalability, and unit economics.
Develop strategies for delivery partnerships, rider operations, capacity planning, and long-term operational efficiency.
Identify new technologies, business models, and innovations that could strengthen Zapp's competitive advantage.
Lead High-Impact Strategic Initiatives
Take ownership of complex, business-critical projects from strategic thinking through to execution and measurable impact.
Drive improvements in end-to-end delivery times, from order placement through to the customer's doorstep.
Identify opportunities to optimise delivery partner and rider performance, commercial arrangements, and operational productivity.
Build business cases, evaluate strategic trade-offs, and translate data-driven insights into actionable recommendations.
Work Across the Business to Drive Change
Partner with senior leaders across Operations, Product, Engineering, Data, and Finance to deliver cross-functional initiatives.
Act as a strategic thought partner to the Founder, bringing fresh perspectives, analytical rigour, and strong commercial judgement.
Challenge assumptions, solve ambiguous problems, and build scalable solutions that create lasting business value.
Take a hands-on approach where needed, combining strategic thinking with the ability to make things happen.
What We're Looking For
Deep industry expertise: Significant, directly relevant experience in last mile and delivery operations, ideally within quick commerce, on-demand delivery, food delivery, or a closely related sector. Direct experience in this field is essential.
Minimum 10 years of professional experience: At least 10 years of overall professional experience, with a strong track record of leadership and measurable impact.
Strategic and commercial mindset: Ability to think beyond day-to-day operations, evaluate business models, identify growth opportunities, and drive sustainable improvements in unit economics.
Proven operational expertise: Strong understanding of delivery partner and rider management, end-to-end delivery performance, capacity planning, and operational scalability.
Exceptional problem-solving skills: Highly analytical, structured, and comfortable navigating complex, ambiguous business challenges.
Entrepreneurial ambition: A genuine desire to broaden your experience beyond a traditional functional role, develop your entrepreneurial capabilities, and learn what it takes to build and scale a business.
Ownership and execution: A self-starter who combines big-picture thinking with a hands-on approach, high standards, and a relentless bias for action.
Strong stakeholder leadership: Ability to influence senior stakeholders, build relationships, and drive outcomes across functions.
Why Join Zapp?
This is more than a traditional leadership role. It's an opportunity to work side by side with our Founder, gain direct exposure to entrepreneurial decision-making, and develop the skills and perspective required to build and scale a business.
You'll have the freedom to explore ambitious ideas, the responsibility to drive meaningful outcomes, and the opportunity to learn first-hand how strategy, operations, technology, and commercial decisions come together.
For someone with deep delivery industry experience and entrepreneurial aspirations, this is a chance to step beyond functional leadership and accelerate your journey towards becoming a business builder.
Of course we also offer:
Competitive salary & equity package.
Private Health Insurance (Bupa)
Zapp Credit for testing the Zapp service and experience
Extended sick pay and maternity/paternity leave pay.
25 days annual leave, excluding UK Bank Holidays
Healthy lunch provided 4 days of a week at HQ