Senior Manager, AV Test Operations

Mission Summary
The Senior Manager/Lead of Test Operations, reporting to the Director of Test Operations, plays a key role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of Motional’s AV testing fleet and supporting testing partners. This role emphasizes delivering high performance through increased reliability and collaboration across departments to maintain a safe, accessible AV fleet.

With extensive operational experience, you will drive efficiency by introducing new tools and technologies, aligning cost-efficiency initiatives with the company’s values and commitment to a driverless future.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and implement business strategies, plans, and procedures.
• Oversee, plan, organize, and direct the Test Operations team.
• Conduct bi-weekly performance management check-ins with managers.
• Provide job coaching for Test Operators, Supervisors, and Managers.
• Manage, hire, and train high-caliber Test Operations personnel and facilitate their career growth within Test Operations.
• Establish standard operating policies that support testing processes and deliverables for driverless milestones and OKRs.
• Set comprehensive goals for performance and growth, along with meeting contractual obligations.
• Lead employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication.
• Evaluate performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics.
• Participate in growth and expansion activities (new market expansions, demo rides, commercial partnerships, etc.).
• Manage relationships with other teams, departments, and any applicable vendors.
• Manage the execution of the test vehicle fleet, focusing on operational efficiency by making data-driven, impactful decisions.
• Work with other managers, the program management team within Fleet Operations, and other cross-functional teams to provide vehicle support across all areas of test and validation managed from HQ.
• Drive an excellent safety culture by leading safe and efficient operations.
• Provide feedback to cross-functional teams to improve software, system design, and safety processes, tracking tasks to completion and ensuring a communication feedback loop.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in operations management, program management, engineering, or product management, including at least 3 years in a technology or R&D-related industry. Experience in a similar aviation field will also be considered.
• Demonstrable strength in obtaining results through a clear focus on goals, accountability, communication, and business knowledge.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office/G-Suite applications.
• Strategic thinker with a solid diagnostic mind and experience in developing and championing a continuous improvement culture, with the ability to implement action plans to achieve objectives.
• Understanding of business functions such as HR, IT, Finance, Marketing, etc.
• Proven track record of building collaborative relationships with executives and senior leadership, including public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate team efforts, provide guidance and direction to team members, communicate expectations, project objectives, parameters, status, and outcomes.
• Track record of achieving goals in challenging environments and creating a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and gratitude.
• Ability to use quantitative and qualitative feedback to define critical tasks, establish sequences of events, identify individuals/teams, timelines, and outcomes, make recommendations, and execute necessary actions.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple priorities, and meet short deadlines.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for the state they will be working in.
• Must have shift flexibility and be on-call.
• Able to travel domestically up to 25% of the time.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher

Bonus Points (Not Required)

• Data analytics experience.
• Jira/Confluence experience.

Physical Demands
The employee is regularly required to see, sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motions, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend, or lift up to 50 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.

Working Environment
The incumbent typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone, and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of an office setting. Incumbents may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, road conditions, and pedestrian traffic. The team member is regularly exposed to mechanical and computer parts and is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Requires the ability to observe near/far/depth and color to safely operate Autonomous Vehicles and computer screens
• Able to be in confined stationary position to operate a vehicle for up to four (4) hours at a time for a total of up to ten (10) hours per day
• Able to be to be a driver and a passenger in an Autonomous Vehicle
• Able to operate grip gear shift, brake release, and steering wheel requiring coupling forces up to ten (10) lbs.
• Reach to either left or right shoulder to pull seat belt across body
• Move around the vehicle at beginning and end of shift for inspection of vehicle
• Will also inspect underneath of vehicle for leaks or damage
• Able to stay awake and alert on shift at all times