Operations Manager

At Wayve, we're pioneering the future of autonomous driving by uniquely integrating artificial intelligence with advanced computer vision technologies. We're on a mission to make autonomous vehicles accessible for everyone, everywhere. By rigorously training our AI with thousands of hours of real-world driving data, we've not only set world-first milestones over the past few years but have also expanded our testing to roads across the UK and beyond, ensuring our vehicles meet the highest standards of safety and adaptability. With a relentless focus on innovation and excellence, Wayve is steering towards a future where autonomous mobility is safe, efficient, and universally available.

Impact expected

The Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in translating our customer-focused on-road testing strategy into actionable, tactical plans. This role is essential for ensuring the successful deployment and operation of our autonomous fleet on UK roads.

Challenges they will own

• Own the end-to-end process of deploying our on-road testing strategy in the UK, converting strategic objectives into detailed tactical plans.
• Responsible for delivering key testing outputs and on-road performance metrics, ensuring that goals are met efficiently and effectively.
• Optimise resource allocation by balancing fleet availability with team schedules, ensuring maximum productivity and operational efficiency.
• Directly oversee and allocate work to individual shift leads, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities within the team.
• Manage and support the Shift Leads, Fleet Manager, and Shift Managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust operational plans to align with changing customer needs, technological advancements, and strategic objectives.
• Serve as a key liaison between strategic planning teams and on-ground operational staff, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
• Implement continuous improvement practices to enhance testing procedures, safety protocols, and overall team performance.

What we are looking for in our candidate

Essential 

• Proven experience in operational management, preferably in automotive testing, fleet management, or a related field.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate high-level strategies into practical operational plans.
• Excellent leadership and people management abilities, with experience in managing diverse teams.
• Demonstrated capability in resource planning and allocation, including fleet and personnel management.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with various stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing priorities.

Desirable 

• A keen understanding of autonomous vehicle technology and on-road testing requirements is highly advantageous.