Program Manager

Role: Program Manager, AV Operations Enablement

Location: Nashville, TN

Term: FTE, Hybrid(work in the office 3 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)

Responsibilities:

Strategic Program Leadership & Planning:

• Operational Blueprint Development: Develop comprehensive operational blueprints and long-term strategies for establishing autonomous vehicle (AV) depot operations and the broader operational ecosystem in new territories, considering local regulations, infrastructure, and unique market dynamics.
• System & Process Design: Lead the design and optimization of critical operational systems and processes for AV fleet management, including depot layout, vehicle flow (charging, cleaning, maintenance, staging, diagnostics), parts management, and data handling.
• Technology Integration: Define requirements and oversee the integration of necessary technologies and tools to enable efficient and scalable AV operations within the depot environment.
• Resource Forecasting & Business Case Development: Forecast and plan for all operational resources (equipment, technology, consumables, staffing) and build robust business cases to justify investment in new market expansion and operational improvements, demonstrating clear ROI.

Operational Excellence & Management:

• Operational Launch & Ramp-Up: Oversee the successful launch of day-to-day AV depot operations, establishing critical processes and ensuring a smooth, efficient transition to full operational capacity.
• Operational Leadership: Serve as the primary operational head for the AV depot, driving daily performance, hands-on problem-solving, and ensuring adherence to all operational and safety protocols.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for depot operations (e.g., vehicle uptime, turnaround time, maintenance efficiency, cost per vehicle) and proactively drive initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Process Implementation & Refinement: Develop, document, and continuously refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and safety protocols for all aspects of AV fleet management within the depot environment, ensuring operational excellence and scalability.
• Data Analysis & Insights: Utilize data and analytics to identify operational bottlenecks, predict future needs, and drive continuous improvement in AV depot performance, cost-efficiency, and safety.

Stakeholder & Partner Collaboration:

• Team Enablement: Collaborate with the Director of Field Ops and leadership to determine staffing needs for new depots, support recruitment, and develop initial training programs for new AV operators and technicians.
• Partner Relationship Management: Maintain strong working relationships with our AV technology partners, ensuring their operational needs are seamlessly integrated into client s depot activities and collaborating on joint initiatives for fleet health and performance.
• Vendor Management: Collaborate with external vendors and partners for equipment, services, and technology solutions critical to AV depot operations.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Ensure all operations adhere to local, state, and federal regulations for autonomous vehicles and commercial fleet management.
• Communication & Reporting: Create clear, concise documentation for operational procedures, project plans, and performance reports for various stakeholders, influencing decisions and gaining buy-in for AV operations strategies.

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in program or operational leadership, with a strong understanding of autonomous vehicle (AV) operational lifecycles and complex fleet management.
• Proven track record of building and launching new operational sites or programs from the ground up, including physical infrastructure development.
• Exceptional project and program management skills, including proficiency in planning, budget management, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.
• Strong business acumen and a highly analytical, data-driven mindset, capable of developing strategic operational plans, building business cases, and leveraging data to drive efficiency and profitability.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to drive cross-functional initiatives and lead on-site operations.
• Bachelor s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.