Opportunity at
DeliverooEMEA Regulatory Lead - Drones
Deliveroo, which is part of DoorDash, seeks an EMEA Regulatory Lead for Drones to oversee aviation regulatory affairs across the UK, the European Union, and the…
Career Tools
About This Role
Deliveroo, which is part of DoorDash, seeks an EMEA Regulatory Lead for Drones to oversee aviation regulatory affairs across the UK, the European Union, and the Middle East. Operating out of the London office, this newly created position involves building the regional regulatory function from the ground up, establishing critical relationships with aviation authorities, and shaping operational approvals for autonomous aircraft. The professional stepping into this role will guide specialist…
Job Description
Deliveroo, which is part of DoorDash, seeks an EMEA Regulatory Lead for Drones to oversee aviation regulatory affairs across the UK, the European Union, and the Middle East. Operating out of the London office, this newly created position involves building the regional regulatory function from the ground up, establishing critical relationships with aviation authorities, and shaping operational approvals for autonomous aircraft. The professional stepping into this role will guide specialist consultant teams, design SORA-style application packages, collaborate with internal operations and go-to-market divisions, and align cross-border strategies with the United States-based regulatory team.
This position requires deep expertise in unmanned aircraft systems, extensive experience dealing with regulatory authorities, and the capability to present complex safety cases directly to aviation officials. The ideal candidate brings a traditional aviation background and will take charge of existing permit workstreams, sequence target markets based on regulatory feasibility, and represent the organization at external industry forums.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the main contact point for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Irish Aviation Authority, EASA, and national regulatory bodies
- Develop and execute regulatory strategies to secure permits and operational authorizations for drone deliveries
- Direct and oversee specialist consultant teams handling groundwork for operational approvals
- Prepare comprehensive SORA-style application packages by gathering technical, safety, and operational data
- Partner with company leadership on international expansion strategies across Europe and the Middle East
- Collaborate with the US-based UAS Regulatory and Policy Lead to maintain consistent standards and cross-recognition of approvals
- Represent the organization at regional conferences, industry forums, and standards bodies like JARUS
- Establish internal processes, governance, and the overall framework for regional regulatory operations
Requirements
- Traditional aviation background either as a pilot, aviator, or regulator
- More than 10 years of experience in aviation regulatory affairs, government affairs, or public policy
- Current depth and practical knowledge in unmanned aircraft systems regulation
- Working command of JARUS SORA and approval processes for national and European authorities including the UK CAA, IAA, and EASA
- Detailed understanding of airspace systems and separation procedures for unmanned and crewed aircraft
- Experience in assembling, submitting, or assessing SORA-style documentation
- Project management skills involving the oversight of external partners or consultants
- Fluency in English with availability to be based in or relocate to London or another European location
Qualifications
- Prior experience working as an aviation regulator or possessing an existing network of regulatory contacts in the UK, EU, and Middle East
- Familiarity with the United Arab Emirates regulatory landscape and regional Middle Eastern markets
- Proficiency in a second European or regional language such as German, French, or Arabic
- Background in representing organizations within standards bodies or industry conferences for UAS and UTM
- Previous operational experience in commercial drone delivery or related industries
Core Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Where is this job located?
This position is based in London, and applicants must be based in or willing to relocate to London or elsewhere in Europe.
What is the employment type?
The posting specifies full-time employment.
What is the salary for this role?
The job posting does not specify a salary.
Sample Interview Questions
AI-generated questions tailored to this specific role — a preview of the full practice set.