Deployment / Operations Lead Defence Sector (f/m/d)

At Circus (Xetra: CA1), we are redefining how food is created, produced, and delivered — powered by robotics and AI. From modular kitchens to smart food factories, our mission is to make high-performance, autonomous food systems available in the most demanding environments.

Now, we’re taking the next bold step: building the food system of the future in high-resilience, mission-critical contexts. This includes a confidential defence deployment case, where reliability, adaptability, and performance directly impact lives and logistics - preparing for rollout this summer. 

This isn’t just about technology — it’s about supporting those who serve, by ensuring they have on-demand access to nutritious, tailored meals, wherever they are, whenever they need them. Join us on this mission.

As Head of Deployment / Operations (f/m/d) for our strategic defence industry partners, you will take end-to-end responsibility for the successful rollout of our modular robotic kitchens and autonomous food production systems in a military context.

You will lead the operational interface for one of our most strategic and sensitive pilot programs. Working hand-in-hand with internal stakeholders, trusted industry partners, and designated customer units, you will ensure that our technology delivers — with speed, precision, and impact.

This role requires an exceptional mix of field operations leadership, cross-functional coordination, and a deep understanding of the unique demands of institutional environments with heightened security, compliance, and performance expectations.

• Operational Lead for a confidential pilot project deploying robotic food systems in high-resilience settings.

• Define and implement rollout strategies for modular kitchens on-site, including installation, system onboarding, and go-live operations.

• Coordinate logistics and handle complex site setups — from secure base access to equipment delivery, testing, and team readiness.

• Own the pilot program timeline: manage communication, milestones, and risk mitigation across multiple stakeholders.

• Develop and enforce rigorous SOPs, including data collection, system calibration, contingency planning, and maintenance cycles.

• Support the development of scalable operations — from single-kitchen pilots to larger, smart-factory scaleups.

• Lead a small, elite team of field operators with high accountability and hands-on capability.

• Report directly to senior leadership and coordinate across Product, Engineering, and Executive teams to deliver feedback and optimize performance.

• Work discreetly, professionally, and with strong situational awareness in highly structured, secure environments.

• Extensive hands-on experience in technical or field operations roles, ideally in mission-critical environments (e.g. logistics, defence, energy, emergency services, aerospace, etc.).

• Demonstrated success leading deployments of hardware-based systems across multiple sites and stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of systems reliability, compliance procedures, and high-stakes troubleshooting.

• Technical empathy — comfortable collaborating with engineering and product teams on iterative deployment cycles.

• Proven leadership of small, agile teams with high personal accountability.

• Excellent project management skills: structured, communicative, and execution-focused.

• Native or fluent German and strong English communication skills required.

• Willingness to travel extensively and spend time on-site during deployment phases.

• Experience with institutional partnerships, infrastructure setup, or confidential projects a plus.

• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Munich.

• Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive compensation package with offered stock options for full-time employees.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy regular team events, a hybrid work setup, 2 months/year remote work (Worcation), and unlimited vacation days, along with a corporate pension plan.
• Personal Development: 500€ personal budget for training, in-house trainings, and growth opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
• Mobility: Benefit from a 50€ monthly budget for mobility or other expenses and a subsidized Dance Mobility Subscription for E-Bike/E-Moped.
• Well-Being: Get access to discounted Urban Sports Club membership and Wellhub for a variety of well-being offerings.