At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative testing and validation programs for cutting-edge AI technology in autonomous vehicles.
- Company: Wayve, a pioneering developer of Embodied AI technology with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working policy, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting career growth in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team transforming the future of automated driving and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical program management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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.
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. Our vision is to create autonomy that propels the world forward. Our intelligent, mapless, and hardware-agnostic AI products are designed for automakers, accelerating the transition from assisted to automated driving.
In our fast-paced environment big problems ignite us—we embrace uncertainty, leaning into complex challenges to unlock groundbreaking solutions. We aim high and stay humble in our pursuit of excellence, constantly learning and evolving as we pave the way for a smarter, safer future.
The role involves acting as the critical bridge between Science, Product, Engineering, and Operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic, high-growth environments and has proven experience translating complex technical strategies into actionable field operations.
You’ll lead critical testing and demonstration programs across our global operations—spanning roadshow campaigns, customer-specific programs, and on-road validation activities—working cross-functionally to ensure structured feedback loops between field operations and development teams. This role is key to our transformation from an R&D-focused operation to a world-class, delivery-grade commercial AV organization that can execute seamlessly with customers and partners.
Key responsibilities:- Technical and Operations Enablement: Convert high-level program plans into clear, actionable on-road plans in partnership with Fleet Operations leadership, ensuring alignment on scheduling, safety, and operational feasibility across diverse testing requirements.
- Testing and Validation: Lead execution across internal-facing and external-facing programs, coordinating between technical teams and operations to ensure seamless testing and validation execution while maintaining safety protocols and capturing valuable feedback.
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the connective tissue between model developers, researchers, product teams, and operations, ensuring two-way visibility and structured feedback loops that drive faster iteration on features, releases, and model performance.
- Operational Readiness: Collaborate closely with Fleet Operations to maintain consistent experiment design, vehicle availability, and process quality across testing programs, ensuring repeatable, high-quality delivery at scale.
- Continuous Improvement: Partner with Systems and Enablement teams to leverage fleet data, systems, and metrics for collaborative problem-solving and refinement of testing processes and internal tooling, quantifying improvements in operational performance.
- Innovation in Testing & Evaluation: Proactively brainstorm and explore new experimental methods (e.g., adversarial route selection, edge case testing concepts), fostering a culture of curiosity and bold experimentation to uncover insights that drive novel breakthroughs.
- Technical Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with model development teams, combining strategic thinking with practical operational expertise to maximize the value of every test, dataset, and feedback loop in support of commercial objectives.
- Demonstrable experience in technical program management or operations roles at the intersection of R&D, product development, and field testing in high-complexity environments (e.g., autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, or advanced mobility).
- Proven track record of managing programs, demonstrations, or operations that require tight coordination between technical development teams and operational execution.
- Deep experience with test planning, operational readiness frameworks, and structured feedback loops between field operations and technical development teams.
- Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills: able to lead cross-functional workshops and coordinate between Engineering, Science, Product, and Operations teams effectively.
- Proven ability to influence across teams and functions, including remote and international stakeholders in fast-paced technology environments.
- Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills with experience creating technical documentation, SOPs, and stakeholder presentations.
- Ability to travel internationally up to 30% of the time to support on-site program coordination across testing regions.
- Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working in ambiguous, rapidly evolving environments with competing priorities.
- Experience in autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, or field robotics operations.
- Exposure to automotive testing protocols, validation frameworks, or OEM partnership programs.
- Experience supporting scaling in global, distributed teams with complex technical dependencies.
- Experience with data analysis and performance tracking; able to build or interpret dashboards, identify operational bottlenecks, and quantify program improvements.
- Comfortable with project management tools such as Confluence, Asana/Jira, or equivalent, and experience implementing operational tracking systems.
- Background in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) or operational excellence frameworks.
- Familiarity with vehicle commissioning processes, fleet management systems, or automotive safety protocols.
This is a full-time role based in our office in London. At Wayve we want the best of all worlds so we operate a hybrid working policy that combines time together in our offices and workshops to fuel innovation, culture, relationships and learning, and time spent working from home. We operate core working hours so you can determine the schedule that works best for you and your team.
Wayve is committed to creating an inclusive interview experience. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to participate fully in our interview process, please let us know.
Technical Operations Manager in London employer: Icehouseventures
Wayve is an exceptional employer that fosters a diverse and inclusive culture, encouraging employees to thrive in a dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and a hybrid working policy that promotes work-life balance, Wayve offers unique opportunities to engage in groundbreaking projects within the rapidly evolving field of autonomous technology, all while being based in the vibrant city of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and challenges, especially in the realm of autonomous vehicles. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Technical Operations Manager. Highlight your ability to bridge technical and operational gaps, and don’t forget to share examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Wayve and contributing to our mission of creating smarter, safer autonomous driving solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technical Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in technical program management and how it aligns with our mission at Wayve. We want to see how your unique skills can contribute to our diverse team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of cross-functional collaboration, it's essential to demonstrate your strong written and verbal communication skills. Use clear examples in your application that show how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in past roles.
Highlight Problem-Solving Experience:We love candidates who can tackle challenges head-on! In your application, share specific instances where you've navigated ambiguity or solved complex problems in high-growth environments. This will help us see your potential fit for our dynamic culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our innovative team at Wayve!
How to prepare for a job interview at Icehouseventures
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the technical aspects related to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of autonomous systems, robotics, and any relevant testing protocols. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with different departments in the past. Highlight your facilitation skills and how you've managed stakeholder expectations to ensure smooth operations.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you handle complex challenges. Think of specific instances where you've navigated ambiguity or competing priorities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your problem-solving prowess.
✨Embrace the Culture of Innovation
Wayve values curiosity and bold experimentation. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered innovation in previous roles. Share any ideas you have for improving testing processes or operational readiness, as this will show your proactive mindset and alignment with their vision.
