At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead dynamic testing and validation programs for cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology.
- Company: Wayve, a forward-thinking company revolutionising the future of transport.
- Benefits: Hybrid working policy, flexible hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a team transforming R&D into real-world applications in autonomous vehicles.
- 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. 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.
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, 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 maximise the value of every test, dataset, and feedback loop in support of commercial objectives.
About you
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in technical program management or operations roles at the intersection of R&D, product development, and field testing in high-complexity environments.
- 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.
Desirable
- 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. We understand that everyone has a unique set of skills and experiences and that not everyone will meet all of the requirements listed above. If you’re passionate about self-driving cars and think you have what it takes to make a positive impact on the world, we encourage you to apply.
Technical Operations Manager employer: Wayve
Wayve is an exceptional employer that champions a diverse and inclusive work culture, fostering innovation and collaboration among its teams. With a hybrid working policy and core hours that promote work-life balance, employees are empowered to thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. The company prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and encourages a culture of curiosity and experimentation, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of mobility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Operations Manager
✨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 practising common questions and scenarios related to technical operations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers, share your enthusiasm for autonomous vehicles and how your skills align with their mission. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Wayve team.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment like Wayve!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We love seeing how your background aligns with the Technical Operations Manager role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wayve
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technical aspects of 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 a manager but also someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the operations.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in coordinating between different teams like Engineering, Science, and Product. Use specific instances where you facilitated workshops or led projects that required tight collaboration. This will demonstrate your ability to act as the 'connective tissue' they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Problem-Solving
Expect questions about how you handle ambiguity and competing priorities. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated complex challenges in fast-paced environments. Sharing your thought process will illustrate your strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the dynamic nature of the role, be ready for scenario-based questions that test your operational readiness and testing strategies. Think through how you would approach specific challenges related to field operations and validation activities, and be prepared to explain your reasoning.
