Senior Operations Manager

About Wayve Founded in 2017, Wayve is the leading developer of Embodied AI technology. Our advanced AI software and foundation models enable vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any complex environment, enhancing the usability and safety of automated driving systems. The Role Operations Manager – responsible for translating our customer‑focused on‑road testing strategy into actionable, tactical plans. This role is essential for ensuring the successful deployment and scaling of our on‑road development in Eastern North America. Key Responsibilities Own the end‑to‑end process of deploying our on‑road ADAS testing strategy in Detroit, MI, converting strategic milestones into detailed tactical plans. Deliver key testing outputs and on‑road performance metrics, ensuring goals are met efficiently and effectively. Optimize resource allocation by balancing fleet availability with team schedules, ensuring maximum productivity and operational efficiency. Directly manage, oversee, and allocate work to team members, including Shift Leads, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities. Regularly evaluate and adjust operational plans to align with changing customer needs, technological advancements, and strategic key results. Serve as a key liaison between strategic planning teams and on‑ground operational staff to ensure seamless communication and alignment. Implement continuous improvement practices to enhance testing procedures, safety protocols, and overall team performance. Collaborate with Systems & Enablement Division to deliver on‑road testing, covering Fleet Servicing and Maintenance, Field Engineering, Operational Safety, Training, Systems and Insights, and Quality Assurance functions in the US and Canada. Essential Qualifications Proven experience in operational management, preferably in automotive testing, tech, or a related field. Strong strategic thinking skills, able to translate high‑level strategies into practical operational plans. Excellent leadership and people‑management abilities, with experience managing diverse teams. Demonstrated capability in resource planning and allocation, including fleet and personnel management. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively with various stakeholders. Ability to work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities. Desirable Qualifications Keen understanding of ADAS technology and on‑road testing requirements. Location & Hours This is a full‑time role based in Detroit, Michigan. The schedule is Monday to Friday, overseeing a division that operates seven days a week. Occasional on‑call responsibilities, evenings, and weekends may be required. Equal Employment Opportunity At Wayve we’re committed to creating a diverse, fair and respectful culture that is inclusive of everyone based on their unique skills and perspectives, and regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law. Disclaimer We will not ask about marriage or pregnancy, care responsibilities or disabilities in any of our job adverts or interviews. However, we do look to capture information about care responsibilities, and disabilities among other diversity information as part of an optional DEI Monitoring form to help us identify areas of improvement in our hiring process and ensure that the process is inclusive and non‑discriminatory. #J-18808-Ljbffr