Autonomous Driving - Development Hub Operations Mgr - LOS ANGELES

Autonomous Driving - Development Hub Operations Manager - Los Angeles

The Development Hub Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable deployment and maintenance of the autonomous vehicle fleet at the assigned hub location within the Volkswagen Group's Autonomous Driving, Mobility and Transport (ADMT) business unit. This role combines operational leadership, technical coordination, and team management to support the successful execution of autonomous vehicle testing in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You will lead a team of safety drivers testing autonomous vehicles primarily on public roads at the assigned development hub location. You will also be responsible to manage the team responsible for the maintenance, service and technology updates for the vehicle fleet allocated to the location. Within the hub, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining a safe and engaging work environment for your team which may span multiple shifts. Your job will be to execute test and road operations, dispatch and maintain awareness of all fleet activities in the context of development, testing and service offering. You will learn the basis of our technology of our vehicles and implement programs that effectively manage the fleet operations objectives. Your job will be to ensure that the daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly targets for the local vehicle fleet and operators are met. You will provide detailed feedback to the engineering and technical teams on vehicle performance. You will also ensure that the vehicles, operators and technicians follow all safety protocol. In case of a public road incident, you will manage the local response team and coordinate with the leadership in determining both immediate and long-term response by the fleet.

Role Responsibilities

• Operations Management (40%) : Manage the vehicle fleet (typically ranging from 10 to 100 vehicles) that is allocated to the hub. Manage day-to-day hub operations including vehicle dispatch, charging, cleaning, and maintenance – note that these may span multiple shifts within each day. Monitor and report on vehicle uptime, fleet operations performance and safety metrics, and taking corrective actions as needed. Ensure vehicles meet safety, cleanliness, and readiness standards. Review incoming test requests and ensure that the overall hub service, shifts, vehicle allocation, people assignment and shift schedules fulfill company and program objectives. Incorporating local environment, event, traffic and related conditions in the dispatching and planning for the vehicle missions. Lead the implementation of the on-site incident response protocols and coordinate with the operations and technical leadership to determine next steps associated with fleet management and local communications with first responders, police, emergency services, etc. Support the development and monitoring of hub operations KPIs working closely with the overall US and global development operations teams. Coordinate with the US and global development operations leadership teams to determine local vehicle fleet aligning with test requests, staffing, shifts and other influencing factors.
• Vehicle Allocation, Maintenance & Update Management (30%) : Manage the service team to ensure that the vehicle fleet meets the target uptime goals. Ensure that the vehicles are updated and loaded with the proper software, hardware and map configurations in alignment with development test needs. Ensure sufficiency of infrastructure, tools, procedures and documentation for service personnel to maintain the vehicle fleet. Assess needs and ensure that the local infrastructure (including on/off-site charging) is sufficient to meet the needs for efficient fleet operation.
• Leadership, Collaboration & People Management (30%) : Lead and develop a team of safety drivers along with their leads / coordinators, service technicians, and support staff. Responsible for performance reviews, career development plans, merit planning and providing regular feedback to the reporting team. Coordinate with global and US teams, particularly other ADMT vehicle test facilities, to plan activities and adopt best practices. Draft and deliver regular executive level reports/reporting to customers and stakeholders (partners, mentors, department heads, and top executives) Coordinate with the US Development Manager on staffing plans - support the recruiting process in coordination with HR. Monitor safety driver performance and take corrective actions when needed Ensure that drivers and technicians receive sufficient training to ensure safe operations and high-quality outcomes – coordinate with the training teams to close gaps where needed. Host local vehicle demonstrations Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualification and Skills Requirements

Years of Relevant Work Experience 5+ years 3+ years of operations or people management experience Education Required Desired Associate's Degree or equivalent Bachelor's Degree Required General Skills Excellent people leadership skills with ability to lead under time pressure Excellent verbal and written communications Strong problem-solving skills with ability to work on resolving multiple issues simultaneously Great organizational skills and ability to handle projects independently Ability to work cross-functionally across product, engineering, safety, facilities, service teams and more Conceptual thinking skills combined with a strong attention to detail. Flexibility to accommodate change and thrive amid ambiguity. Specialized Skills Required Team management experience. Experience in vehicle fleet management or service operations Knowledge of vehicle testing life cycles (on-road and closed track) Strong mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of vehicle systems, components, and design characteristics Experienced in data analysis methods and reporting of operations metrics Physical ability to drive a vehicle Desired Experience in automotive industry Experience in Autonomous Vehicle Industry Experience in customer service Proficiency in Microsoft Office (or equivalent) and use of web-based tools

Work Flexibility and Compensation Data

Work Flexibility Ready and able to travel (international and domestic) to remote offices, training facilities or other testing cities subject to business needs Ability to adhere to a flexible work schedule to accommodate collaboration with global teams distributed across multiple time zones Ability to work in shifts (with advance notice provided) Compensation Data In Los Angeles, CA, the salary range for this role will be $110,000 - $130,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly. Other benefits for this position include: Eligibility for annual performance bonus Healthcare benefits 401(k), with company match Defined contribution retirement program. Tuition reimbursement Company lease car program Paid time off

Competencies

Act as an owner Be a pioneer Excite customer Grow personally Live integrity & compliance Live passion Perform together Think ahead

ADMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.