Joby is a next-generation aviation company redefining what’s possible in sustainable, zero-emissions flight—making clean, accessible air travel a reality worldwide. Headquartered in California, Joby is certifying an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi to operate a fast, quiet, and on-demand air taxi service in cities around the world and sell its aircraft to other operators and partners.

By leveraging our deep vertical integration, we are uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of air mobility. Our approach allows us to move quickly, maintain quality at every step, and deliver a seamless experience for passengers and partners alike.

The UAE team at Joby is growing, and were looking to bring on a new dynamic team member to launch our operations in Abu Dhabi. The UAE will be Joby Aviation’s inaugural launch market worldwide, and the local team is at the forefront of shaping the regulatory framework, operational model, infrastructure, and customer experience that will define urban air mobility globally.

Operating under Joby’s own Air Operator Certificate, the UAE team works in close partnership with federal and local government entities, semi-government organizations, and strategic partners to bring safe, scalable, and sustainable air mobility to life.

About the Role

The Manager, Business Operations will work directly with Joby’s UAE General Manager to prepare the Abu Dhabi market for a successful commercial launch and long-term scale. This role sits at the intersection of operations, business development, manufacturing integration, and strategic execution.

You will manage complex, cross-functional initiatives; support commercial and government partnerships; and translate global strategies into executable local plans. Success in this role requires strong program management skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, ambiguous, and highly regulated environment.

Joby’s presence in Abu Dhabi will span flight operations, business development, manufacturing and assembly integration, and ecosystem partnerships, and this role will play a key part in coordinating across these areas.

This is a full-time, in-office role based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Remote work is not permitted.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with government and semi-government stakeholders across the UAE to establish and scale Joby’s operational presence, supporting regulatory alignment, commercial agreements, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Lead cross-functional launch initiatives in close coordination with Joby’s global teams across operations, manufacturing, engineering, legal, finance, and policy
• Develop financial and operational models to support strategic planning, investment decisions, and long-range forecasting
• Program-manage local operations, including aircraft assembly, manufacturing enablement, supply-chain coordination, and operational readiness, translating global plans into executable local programs.
• Drive business development and market analysis, identifying growth opportunities, evaluating partnerships, and supporting negotiations with public and private sector counterparties.
• Act as a strategic integrator between global subject-matter experts and local stakeholders, ensuring Joby’s technical, operational, and commercial capabilities are effectively deployed in the UAE market.
• Support the UAE General Manager on special projects, executive briefings, and strategic initiatives critical to launching and scaling Joby’s first global market.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in program management, strategy & operations, investment banking, or management consulting, with exposure to aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, or infrastructure
• Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including building and maintaining financial models, operating plans, and multi-scenario business cases.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs, coordinating multiple stakeholders in fast-moving and ambiguous environments.
• Demonstrated experience working within the UAE ecosystem, including engagement with government and semi-government entities.
• Arabic proficiency is preferred, but not a requirement.
• A self-starter with a get-it-done mindset that thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
• Flexibility to work across time zones (including occasional US business hours) and willingness to travel regionally and internationally as needed.