At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive AV partnerships across Europe and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join Freenow by Lyft, a leader in autonomous mobility.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health insurance, and unique perks like sabbaticals.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mobility while working in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in strategic partnerships with knowledge of the European automotive ecosystem.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Berlin, Hamburg or London. Freenow by Lyft empowers smarter mobility decisions helping people to move freely and cities to thrive. We are leading the future of autonomous mobility in Europe and are now hiring a Senior Partnership Manager - Autonomous Vehicle to drive AV partnerships for Freenow by Lyft, working across the AV ecosystem in multiple countries. You will manage European partner relationships end-to-end, cultivate a pipeline of new opportunities, and ultimately help establish Lyft as the region's preferred AV commercialisation partner. This highly collaborative, fast-paced role offers significant autonomy, a chance to decisively shape an emerging industry, and a position as Lyft's most senior AV partnership presence in Europe.
The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of owning complex, 'first of a kind' multi-party commercial relationships, from initial deal structuring through long-term growth. Prior experience in the European mobility or automotive ecosystem is a plus. You are an expert communicator, able to confidently manage complex negotiations and operate at the executive level with diverse partners across different cultures and geographies. You excel at building trusted relationships from scratch, navigating ambiguity, and driving critical deals forward with minimal day-to-day oversight.
Be ready to work at the cutting edge of mobility in a multinational, diverse, highly motivated and collaborative team of passionate professionals who strive for excellence and like to have fun. Are you ready for your next ride?
YOUR DAILY ADVENTURES WILL INCLUDE:
- Own Lyft Europe’s AV partner relationships end-to-end, serving as the primary external point of contact for partner leadership in the region.
- Steer negotiations across our partnerships, coordinating input from cross-functional specialists and navigating complex commercial structures.
- Lead European top-of-funnel origination, identifying, qualifying, and advancing new AV partner conversations across the European ecosystem.
- Track partner deliverables and milestones across active partnerships, proactively flagging risks and resolving commercial issues before they escalate.
- Manage ongoing partner relationships and own the vision for our in-flight deployments, identifying opportunities to expand the scope and scale of each partnership.
- Manage partner-side reporting obligations and ensure Lyft's commitments are met on time and to a high standard.
- Serve as Lyft's eyes and ears in the European AV market — tracking new entrants, funding rounds, partnerships, and competitive moves to inform pipeline prioritisation and strategy.
- Work closely with the wider Freenow teams across Europe to ensure alignment on European market strategy and leverage local expertise and relationships.
- Represent the European perspective in Lyft's global AV Business Development strategy discussions.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE:
- 7+ years of experience in strategic partnerships with deep knowledge of the European automotive or mobility ecosystem.
- Established relationships with European AV companies, OEMs, or fleet operators.
- Demonstrated track record of owning senior-level commercial relationships with complex, multi-party stakeholders.
- Strong commercial instincts, able to read a deal structure, identify risks, and negotiate effectively.
- Comfortable operating with significant autonomy in a remote setup, able to represent Freenow/Lyft at a senior level externally without close day-to-day oversight.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional European languages (German, French, Spanish) are a plus.
- Experience working with or across Chinese technology companies is a plus.
- Prior exposure to the EU mobility regulatory landscape is a plus.
BENEFITS & PERKS IN A NUTSHELL:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- LinkedIn Learning.
- Sabbatical & special leave policies.
- WeRoad partnership.
- Birthday, 24th + 31st December off.
- Short term EU work policy.
- Mobility Credit.
- Health Insurance.
- Employee assistance program.
- Plus more local benefits depending on your work location!
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION: Freenow is an equal opportunity employer and we consider qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age. We want you to grow and evolve, bring your true self to work.
ABOUT FREENOW: Freenow by Lyft empowers smarter mobility decisions, helping people to move freely and cities to thrive. Through our multi-mobility app, we feature broad options for everyone across 9 European markets and over 180 cities. Millions of passengers can access services including taxis, private hire vehicles, carsharing, car rental, e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds, and public transport within a single app. In July 2025 Freenow was acquired by Lyft, a global mobility platform, which connects riders and drivers for billions of rides across North America and Europe. Together, Freenow and Lyft are creating a more caring and connected world, with transportation for everyone. We are a global, diverse, highly motivated, and collaborative team that strives for excellence and likes to have fun. Ready for your next ride?
Senior Partnership Manager - Autonomous Vehicle in London employer: FREENOW
Freenow by Lyft is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Europe, with locations in Berlin, Hamburg, and London. Employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth through LinkedIn Learning, and unique perks such as a Mobility Credit and special leave policies. Our diverse and collaborative culture fosters innovation and excellence, making it an exciting place to shape the future of autonomous mobility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Partnership Manager - Autonomous Vehicle in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the AV and mobility space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners on LinkedIn. Building those relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential partners or at networking events, share your insights on the European AV market. This not only positions you as a knowledgeable player but also helps you build credibility and trust with others in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify key players in the AV ecosystem and reach out to them directly. A well-timed email or message can lead to meaningful conversations and potential partnerships.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on the competition! Stay updated on what other companies are doing in the AV space. This knowledge will not only help you in negotiations but also allow you to position Lyft as the go-to partner in the region. Plus, it shows you’re serious about your role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Partnership Manager - Autonomous Vehicle in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Partnership Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex partnerships and your knowledge of the European mobility ecosystem. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of negotiation and relationship management, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Use clear, concise language in your application to reflect your ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to emphasise your previous experience with senior-level commercial relationships and any exposure to the EU mobility regulatory landscape. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see your fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at FREENOW
✨Know Your AV Ecosystem
Before the interview, dive deep into the European autonomous vehicle landscape. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent partnerships, and emerging trends. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to Freenow's goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex, multi-party relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you navigated them. Highlighting your ability to build trust and maintain strong partnerships will resonate well with the team.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since this role involves steering negotiations, brush up on your negotiation strategies. Think of scenarios where you had to negotiate terms or resolve conflicts. Being able to demonstrate your commercial instincts and effective negotiation skills will set you apart.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As an expert communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Whether it's discussing your experience or answering questions, ensure your communication style reflects the professionalism expected at a senior level. If you speak additional languages, don’t hesitate to mention that too!