Autonomous Vehicle Operations Lead

Job description

## **About the Role** We are looking for an **Autonomous Vehicle Operations Lead (AVOS)** to oversee the daily operations of **autonomous vehicle (AV)** and **robotaxi fleets** supporting testing programs, commercial **autonomous ride-hailing services**, and new city launches across Europe. As the operational leader within the depot, you will coordinate **Safety Operators, Depot Specialists, Senior Technicians, and SDS Specialists** to ensure vehicles remain safe, operational, and deployment-ready. You will play a critical role in maintaining fleet availability, meeting operational KPIs, and supporting the successful launch and scaling of **autonomous vehicle fleets**. This position is ideal for candidates with experience in fleet operations, mobility services, automotive operations, logistics, or transportation who enjoy leading teams in fast-paced, technology-driven environments. ### Key Responsibilities ## **Fleet Operations Management** - Lead the daily operations of **autonomous vehicle** and **robotaxi fleets** across one or multiple depot locations. - Ensure vehicles are operationally ready to support testing, commercial deployment, and **autonomous ride-hailing services**. - Monitor **fleet utilization**, vehicle availability, charging schedules, and operational readiness. - Coordinate daily vehicle dispatch and return activities to maximize fleet efficiency. - Minimize vehicle downtime through effective operational planning and coordination. ## **Depot Operations** - Oversee all activities within the **robotaxi depot**, ensuring safe, efficient, and organized operations. - Coordinate the work of Depot Specialists, Safety Operators, Senior Technicians, and SDS Specialists. - Ensure vehicles meet cleanliness, charging, inspection, and maintenance standards before deployment. - Support depot setup and operational readiness for **new city launches** and fleet expansion projects. ## **Team Leadership** - Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise operational staff. - Create shift schedules supporting 24/7 fleet operations. - Conduct performance reviews and coaching sessions. - Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. - Ensure all team members follow operational procedures and safety standards. ## **Client & Stakeholder Management** - Act as the primary operational contact for internal and external stakeholders. - Coordinate daily activities with engineering, product, technical, and fleet management teams. - Prepare operational reports, KPI dashboards, and performance summaries. - Escalate operational risks and develop mitigation plans. - Support customer visits, audits, and operational reviews. ## **Operational Excellence** - Monitor KPIs including fleet availability, vehicle uptime, dispatch efficiency, depot productivity, and operational quality. - Identify process improvement opportunities that reduce downtime and improve fleet performance. - Develop and implement standard operating procedures for **autonomous vehicle operations**. - Support continuous improvement initiatives during **robotaxi fleet scaling** and commercial deployment. ## **Health, Safety & Compliance** - Ensure compliance with company policies, local regulations, and operational procedures. - Promote a strong safety culture across all operational teams. - Ensure incidents are properly investigated, documented, and resolved. - Maintain compliance with health & safety requirements for fleet and depot operations. ### Requirements ### **Essential** - Minimum **5 years of experience** in fleet operations, automotive operations, transportation, logistics, mobility services, or similar operational environments. - Previous experience leading operational or technical teams. - Experience managing shift-based or 24/7 operations. - Strong leadership and people management skills. - Excellent organisational and planning abilities. - Experience monitoring KPIs and operational performance. - Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. - Fluent English. ### **Preferred** - Experience supporting **autonomous vehicles**, **robotaxi fleets**, ADAS programs, or automotive testing. - Experience with electric vehicle (EV) fleet operations. - Previous experience launching new operational sites or depots. - Knowledge of fleet management systems and operational reporting tools. - Additional European languages are an advantage depending on project location. ### What We're Looking For Successful AV Operations Leads combine operational excellence with strong leadership and a passion for emerging mobility technologies. You understand how to coordinate people, vehicles, depots, and processes while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. You thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy solving operational challenges as **autonomous vehicle fleets** expand into new cities and markets. Whether supporting pilot programs or fully commercial **robotaxi operations**, you will play a key role in ensuring every vehicle, every shift, and every team member contributes to a safe and reliable autonomous mobility service. ### What We Offer - Opportunity to lead large-scale **autonomous vehicle** and **robotaxi fleet operations** across Europe. - Exposure to cutting-edge **self-driving vehicle** technologies and commercial **autonomous ride-hailing** services. - Leadership role supporting **new city launches**, depot setup, and fleet expansion. - Work alongside engineering, product, and operations teams shaping the future of autonomous transportation. - Long-term career development within **fleet management**, **autonomous mobility**, and **robotaxi operations**. - International projects supporting some of the world's leading autonomous vehicle programs. - Comprehensive onboarding and continuous professional development.