Location: Berlin or Hamburg!

At Freenow by Lyft, we are on a mission to empower smarter mobility decisions, helping people to move freely and cities to thrive.
Following Lyft's recent acquisition of Freenow in Europe, we are seeking an experienced leader to drive growth in our German and Austrian operations, serving as the critical bridge between global strategy and local execution. You will excel at managing relationships up and down the organization, ensuring central roadmaps align with German market realities while driving hyper-local growth.

Reporting directly to the VP Operations, Europe, you will steward the Freenow by Lyft business across Germany and Austria, serving as a key driver of local market growth. In this role, you will collaboratively steer the P&L alongside regional and central leadership, combining strategic vision with hands-on operational oversight.
As a strong representative for the Freenow by Lyft brand, you will align the needs of different customer segments while building and managing regulatory and stakeholder relationships that support our local operations and long-term growth.

YOUR DAILY ADVENTURES WILL INCLUDE:

You will play a key role in driving our German and Austrian operations. This role combines strategic leadership, commercial acumen, stakeholder management, and hands-on execution to support Freenow by Lyft's growth in the market.

P&L Management & Commercial Acumen:

Collaboratively steer the German and Austria P&L alongside regional leadership, proactively negotiating for the resources and investment needed to fuel local growth.
Collaborate with the Marketplace Performance team to steer supply and demand, leveraging understanding of unit economics to optimize the dynamic marketplace.
Identify and develop new revenue streams from concept to realization, including growth pillars such as Medical and Dispatch solutions.

Operational Excellence & Growth:

Lead the "Local Growth Team" model, inspiring a high-performing team to out-execute competitors through hyper-local market insights and operational agility.
Masterfully navigate the matrix, acting as the chief advocate for Germany/Austria to ensure central Product and Tech roadmaps are tailored to local supply and demand nuances.
Build and manage relationships with regulators, government bodies, driver associations, and other relevant external stakeholders to support a stable operating environment and long-term market development.
Represent Freenow by Lyft in the region, engaging the press and public stakeholders to build brand trust and a localized competitive advantage.
Translate global strategy into local execution, balancing marketplace efficiency with local customer needs.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE:

We're looking for a leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and combines strategic thinking, operational expertise, and strong commercial capabilities.

Proven experience leading senior teams with P&L ownership.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with drivers, government representatives, and commercial partners.
Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and the ability to leverage technology, including AI, to support operational excellence.
Strong experience in sales, marketing, and commercial negotiations, with a demonstrated track record of driving business growth.
Self-motivated and comfortable navigating ambiguity and uncertainty in scaling a technology marketplace.
Deep understanding of technology-driven marketplaces.
Existing network within relevant German market segments is a plus.
Fluency in German and English is required due to regular interaction with local external stakeholders and international internal teams.

BENEFITS & PERKS IN A NUTSHELL:

Hybrid working models	LinkedIn Learning
Sabbatical & special leave policies	WeRoad partnership
Birthday, 24th + 31st December off	Short term EU work policy
Mobility budget for FREE NOW App
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 US:

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?

About the company

Free Now is a mobility-as-a-service platform in Europe that aggregates taxis, private-hire vehicles, and micro-mobility options into one app. It works by connecting riders with multiple brands (like Dott, Tier, Voi, and Share Now) through a single interface, letting users switch between modes without multiple apps. Depending on the market, it buys rides from drivers and resells them or earns a commission on bookings, and it also offers Free Now for Business for corporate travel management. Its goal is to simplify urban travel by providing easy access to diverse transportation modes across Europe, now as part of Lyft.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Acquired

Total Funding

$97M

Headquarters

Hamburg, Germany

Founded

2009

Get referred to FREENOW

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

July 2026 Apollo Go tests in Brent position Freenow for 2027 robotaxi revenue.
July 2026 Lynk and Swift acquisitions expand Ireland B2B reach and shorten wait times.
Round Up and Donate partnerships like Whizz Kidz strengthen brand trust with accessible transport riders.

What critics are saying

Waymo, Uber-Wayve, and Baidu all target London, crushing Freenow’s AV differentiation by 2027.
TfL and CCAV approval gate Freenow’s robotaxi launch, delaying monetization while rivals iterate.
If Baidu or Waymo bypass Freenow with direct permits, Freenow becomes a commoditized demand layer.

What makes FREENOW unique

Freenow controls Europe’s largest black-cab supply in London, anchored by wheelchair access.
It combines taxi dispatch, micromobility, and public transport across nine European markets.
Lyft’s 2025 acquisition gives Freenow a global app and capital-backed platform.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours
Health Insurance

Company News

Belfast Live

Oct 8th, 2026

Leading taxi app Lyft launches in Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus.

Leading taxi app Lyft launches in Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus. "We are excited to provide a great option for passengers and business customers" A leading taxi app has expanded into Northern Ireland. Article continues below Lyft, through Freenow by Lyft, is a leading taxi app in Ireland and has added Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus to the list of over 200 cities where the service is available across Europe. Article continues below Passengers in these locations can now book a taxi quickly and conveniently through the Freenow app, with access to a range of features designed to make every journey simple and stress-free. Article continues below 138205441846 The app allows users to: * View the upfront fare before confirming the trip * Track the driver's arrival in real-time * Use the 'Prebook' feature to schedule a ride from 20 minutes up to 90 days in advance * Pay securely via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, card. * Safety remains a top priority. Every booking provides users with information about their vehicle, and passengers can use the 'share my trip' feature to let friends or family follow their journey for added peace of mind. A spokesperson said: "The launch will support journeys across the region, whether passengers are travelling to work, meeting friends and family, attending events or getting to and from the airport, train station or ferry terminals. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info "By integrating with local taxi fleets' current dispatch system, Lyft is helping to offer people in Northern Ireland greater choice and flexibility when booking a taxi. "The launch builds on Lyft's established presence of Freenow in cities across the UK and Ireland. It also gives local taxi drivers access to new passengers and additional booking opportunities." Danny O'Gorman, General Manager for the UK and Ireland at Freenow by Lyft, said: "We're delighted to be launching Lyft in Northern Ireland through the Freenow by Lyft app and to give passengers across the region a simple, reliable, and convenient way to book a taxi. Article continues below "Expanding into Northern Ireland is an important milestone and the latest step in growing our presence across the UK and Ireland. "Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus are all vibrant towns and cities and we are excited to provide a great option for passengers and business customers." This is on top of the acquisitions of Lynk in Dublin and Swift in Limerick earlier this year, and starting this month, the ability for North American riders to use their same Lyft app in Europe, including in London and Dublin. Article continues below

London TV

Sep 20th, 2026

Freenow by Lyft to raise funds for Whizz Kidz through its in-app Round Up and Donate feature.

Freenow by Lyft to raise funds for Whizz Kidz through its in-app Round Up and Donate feature. Freenow by Lyft has partnered with Whizz Kidz, the UK's leading charity for young wheelchair users, to raise funds for the charity via its in-app Round Up and Donate feature, as well as drive awareness about the importance of ensuring young wheelchair users continue to have access to black cabs. A new survey* of young wheelchair users and their families by Whizz Kidz has underscored the importance of the partnership. The survey highlights widespread anxiety over black cab availability, with 96% of young wheelchair users warning that a continued decline in accessible taxis will make travel harder. Every black cab in the UK is wheelchair accessible, making the fleet a vital mode of transport for young wheelchair users seeking everyday independence. Freenow by Lyft's black cab fleet operates across the UK, including major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh The research also highlights how heavily young wheelchair users depend on black cabs for daily life, with availability issues disrupting plans for 84% of respondents. Black cabs are also primary drivers of independence, utilised by 59% of respondents for social outings, 36% for education, and 29% for work and healthcare. Meanwhile, 53% of respondents stated they turn to black cabs out of necessity due to an absence of alternative transport options. Knowing a provider guarantees an accessible fleet was ranked as a vital factor for booking ease, with 73% of respondents stating that booking through an app where fleet accessibility is guaranteed directly improves their travel experience. Freenow by Lyft passengers across the UK can now round up their fare to the nearest pound, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Whizz Kidz. All donations will support customised mobility equipment, specialist support, and advocacy for an accessible society. To mark the launch, a co-branded Whizz Kidz and Freenow black cab will take to London's streets as a mobile billboard raising awareness. Passengers can activate the Round Up and Donate feature in the Freenow app before, during, or after their trip. According to recent TfL research**, disabled Londoners rely on taxis and private hire vehicles at nearly double the rate of non-disabled passengers to navigate their daily lives. By offering access to the largest black cab fleet on a single app, Freenow by Lyft delivers a vital service that empowers wheelchair users to navigate their cities how and when they choose. All black cabs are equipped with built-in ramps, floor securement points, and spacious interiors. Danny O'Gorman, UKI General Manager at Freenow by Lyft, said: "As the platform with the largest fleet of wheelchair-accessible black cabs, we are committed to championing accessibility every day. We have already delivered accessibility training for our drivers alongside Whizz Kidz, and are determined to lead the industry in setting higher standards across the transport sector. This new survey shows how critical fleet reliability is for young people. By encouraging passengers to round up their fares, we are enabling Whizz Kidz to continue their vital work while ensuring young wheelchair users can move around easily and on their own terms." Liz George, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Whizz Kidz, said: "London TV is delighted to be partnering with Freenow by Lyft to help drive meaningful change for young wheelchair users across the UK. At Whizz Kidz, London TV know that access to transport is about so much more than getting from A to B. It's about freedom, confidence and being able to take part in education, work and social opportunities without barriers. "Our new research shows that 96% of young wheelchair users fear travel will become harder as black cabs decline, highlighting just how important it is that accessibility remains a priority. Through this partnership, we're not only helping to shine a spotlight on the challenges disabled people face every day, but also providing real, practical support. Funds raised will help more young wheelchair users access life-changing mobility equipment, specialist support and opportunities to build their independence, unlock their potential and live the lives they choose." Owen West, Whizz Kidz Collective member and wheelchair user, said: "I'm really pleased to see Whizz Kidz and Freenow by Lyft partnering up. Being able to book black cabs on the app makes a huge difference. It means we can be spontaneous, hang out with friends, and just enjoy life without stressing about how we're getting home."

Reflect.ee

Sep 3rd, 2026

Uber launches first robotaxi rides with passengers in London.

Uber launches first robotaxi rides with passengers in London. Uber and British startup Wayve are bringing 15 self-driving cars to London streets, offering passengers the chance to choose a robotaxi over a standard vehicle for the first time. To ensure safety, a safety operator will still be present behind the wheel of each vehicle. Collaboration between Uber and British startup Wayve 15 self-driving cars used in the first phase A safety operator is present in each vehicle for safety There are over 120,000 taxi drivers in London American ride-sharing company Uber, in collaboration with British technology firm Wayve, is launching a pilot project in London that will transport passengers in self-driving cars. In the first phase of the trial period, 15 robotaxis will be used, and they will become available to users as early as this week. When a user orders a ride via the Uber app and a self-driving vehicle happens to be available in the area, the system will make the corresponding offer to the customer. The passenger has the option to decide whether they want to ride in a robotaxi or prefer a standard car driven by a human. Although this is autonomous technology, a safety operator will still be present in all vehicles initially, ready to take control at any moment if the situation requires it. The future of technology in London. Wayve CEO Alex Kendall did not wish to predict an exact timeline for when British authorities might grant permission for wider adoption of the technology. Industry analysts do not expect a significant breakthrough before 2027 or 2028. There is also a degree of political uncertainty regarding the future of the sector on London streets. The UK's new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has not yet publicly confirmed his stance on autonomous taxis. Under the leadership of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, the government was generally supportive of the technology's development. Competition and regulations. The London market is attractive to developers of self-driving cars because it is one of the world's largest taxi service markets, with over 120,000 drivers. In addition to Uber and Wayve, other tech giants are testing similar solutions, including Waymo and Baidu in partnership with Freenow, but they are still conducting tests without passengers. Local regulators remain cautious about self-driving cars. In addition to strict safety requirements, a concern is the socio-economic impact, as wider adoption of the technology could lead to a massive reduction in jobs within the taxi sector. Technology What to know Cambridge researchers map fruit fly brain and reveal connections driving behavior. * Cambridge researchers mapped 124 million neural connections. * The brain architecture of male and female flies differs by 5%. * The study was published in the scientific journal Cell. 50 min ago Technology What to know Google unveiled AI-based weather forecasting model WeatherNext 3 in Mountain View. * WeatherNext 3 is Google's newest AI weather forecasting model * The model offers forecasts with a 5 km resolution * Rainfall prediction accuracy improved by 60 percent * The model will be integrated into Google Search, Maps, and Gemini Technology Nvidia to acquire artificial intelligence platform Hugging Face for $12.9 billion. Chipmaker Nvidia has announced the acquisition of AI model sharing platform Hugging Face for $12.93 billion. The company promises to maintain the platform's openness for developers while providing greater computing power. Technology Amazon subsidiary Zoox expands robotaxi service to Las Vegas airport. Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle developer Zoox will begin offering robotaxi service between Harry Reid International Airport and downtown Las Vegas. The service, which allows for pick-up and drop-off directly at the baggage claim area, now competes directly with conventional rideshare apps.

Currency Media Ltd

Jul 31st, 2026

Freenow acquires Dublin's Lynk and Limerick's Swift to expand B2B taxi services in Ireland

Freenow is acquiring two Irish taxi dispatchers, Dublin-based Lynk and Limerick's Swift, to expand its B2B operations. Lynk has operated for over a decade, while Swift has served Limerick and surrounding areas for 35 years. Danny O'Gorman, Freenow's general manager for Ireland, said the acquisitions will extend the company's reach beyond app-based services. The move targets traditional taxi dispatch markets that complement Freenow's existing digital platform. The acquisitions strengthen Freenow's presence in Ireland's taxi market, combining modern app technology with established regional dispatch services.

electrive

Jul 29th, 2026

Freenow and Apollo Go launch London robotaxi trial.

Freenow and Apollo Go launch London robotaxi trial. Freenow by Lyft and Baidu's autonomous driving unit Apollo Go have launched road tests of robotaxis in London. The trials mark the first concrete step in implementing the commercial robotaxi partnership the two companies announced for Europe in 2025. By Florian Treiss 29.07.2026 - 15:48 The first road tests will take place in the London borough of Brent, where Apollo Go will deploy its sixth-generation RT6 robotaxis. The vehicles will initially operate on urban and suburban routes with safety drivers on board, paving the way for a planned commercial passenger service from 2027, subject to regulatory approval. The initiative stems from a strategic partnership agreed last year to integrate Apollo Go's autonomous driving technology into Freenow by Lyft's platform across key European markets. While Apollo Go provides the technological foundation and the RT6 vehicles - specifically designed for ride-hailing - Freenow contributes its local market expertise and operational capabilities. The project in the British capital benefits directly from recent test successes in Hong Kong, where Apollo Go received the first driverless test permit for right-hand-drive markets in July 2026. "The arrival of Apollo Go vehicles in London marks a defining milestone in our global expansion," said Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group. "Testing our autonomous fleet in one of the world's most iconic and complex urban environments validates our technology's maturity and our commitment to this market." According to Baidu, the partnership combines AI-powered autonomous driving with local platform expertise to support the rollout. In the UK, Apollo Go's autonomous vehicles are set to operate alongside conventional taxis and private hire vehicles within the Freenow platform. The partners say this hybrid approach is intended to reduce waiting times and improve efficiency. According to a Censuswide survey commissioned by the companies, 58% of Londoners would be willing to try a robotaxi, rising to almost two-thirds among respondents under the age of 35. Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of Freenow by Lyft, emphasised the integration into the existing industry: "As a platform with deep roots in the taxi industry, our priority is ensuring that autonomous technology supports the professional drivers who keep London moving. By integrating these purpose-built, autonomous vehicles from Baidu's Apollo Go into the Freenow by Lyft ecosystem, we will give Londoners more sustainable choices to travel." The goal is to accelerate the shift towards shared mobility solutions. Competitors poised to enter the market. In addition to Freenow by Lyft, several other companies have announced plans to launch robotaxi services in London and the UK in recent months, including Waymo, Uber, and Wayve. The UK has now established the legal framework, allowing operators to apply for the necessary operating licences since May. Earlier this year, Freenow by Lyft announced plans to launch robotaxis in the German city of Hamburg, although it did not identify Apollo Go as its partner at the time. The company also stressed that autonomous vehicles would operate alongside conventional taxis. 0 comments. about "Freenow and Apollo Go launch London robotaxi trial"

FREENOW

General Manager

About the job