Head of Central Operations & Automation

Job Title: Head of Central Operations Company: 8Fleet Location: Los Angeles, CA About 8Fleet: 8Fleet is hiring! 8Fleet is a rapidly growing LA-based technology and logistics startup building the operational infrastructure for both autonomous and non-autonomous rideshare fleets. As we scale rapidly across markets, we’re looking for a world‑class Head of Central Operations to build and lead the systems powering our operational backbone. About the Role: We are looking for a highly strategic and execution‑oriented operator to lead Central Operations at 8Fleet. This role will own the operational systems, workflows, tooling, and teams that power driver growth, onboarding, launch operations, driver support, vehicle operations, insurance & claims, and fleet readiness across all markets. You will be responsible for building scalable operational infrastructure while aggressively leveraging automation and AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enable rapid growth. This is not a traditional operations management role — we are looking for someone obsessed with operational leverage, process design, and building systems that scale. You will manage a lean, high‑performing team while redesigning workflows so human effort is focused on high‑value interactions and escalations, not repetitive manual work. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving complex operational problems, and knows how to combine people, process, technology, and AI into a scalable operating model. Key Responsibilities: Central Operations Leadership Own and scale Central Operations across all markets Build systems and processes that support rapid operational growth Develop operational playbooks, SOPs, escalation frameworks, and performance standards Drive operational consistency while balancing local market flexibility Driver Growth & Onboarding Oversee driver acquisition operations and onboarding workflows Improve funnel conversion, onboarding completion, and time‑to‑activation Partner with Operations to align driver supply with fleet demand Build scalable onboarding systems leveraging automation and AI Driver Support Build a scalable driver support organization and operating model Improve response times, resolution quality, and driver experience Design support workflows that prioritize high‑touch human interactions where they create the most value Automate repetitive support workflows wherever possible Safety, Insurance & Claims Oversee safety operations, claims processes, and insurance coordination Reduce claims frequency, severity, and operational processing costs Improve incident response and escalation management Build reporting and operational visibility across safety metrics Vehicle Operations Oversee vehicle infleeting, registrations, renewals, and operational readiness Improve fleet uptime and reduce operational downtime Build scalable systems for tracking vehicle lifecycle operations Standardize launch readiness processes across markets Launch & Expansion Develop repeatable launch playbooks for new markets Coordinate cross‑functional launch execution Improve launch speed, operational quality, and scalability Build forecasting and operational capacity planning processes Automation & AI Identify and automate manual operational workflows across Central Operations Implement AI tools and workflows to improve productivity, responsiveness, and scalability Redesign operational processes to maximize leverage from a lean team Build operational dashboards, reporting, and KPI visibility Leadership & Cross‑Functional Partnership Manage and develop a small high‑performing team Partner closely with Product, Engineering, Finance, People, and Market Operations Establish operational metrics, accountability, and review cadences Drive a culture of ownership, urgency, continuous improvement, and execution Successful Candidates Will Bring: 7+ years of experience in operations, logistics, marketplace operations, customer operations, or related fields Experience building and scaling operational systems in fast‑paced environments Strong process design and operational problem‑solving capabilities Experience leading teams with a strong focus on accountability and execution Deep interest in automation, AI tooling, and operational leverage Strong analytical and KPI‑driven mindset Experience working cross‑functionally in high‑growth environments Comfort operating in ambiguity and building from scratch Exceptional communication and organizational skills Hands‑on mentality — willing to dive into operational details while maintaining strategic perspective Compensation: Base Salary Range: $130k-$160k plus annual bonus and strong stock option award Equal Opportunity Employer: 8Fleet is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Disclaimer: This job description may be updated at any time without prior notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr