Vehicle Operations Lead

We are searching for a Vehicle Operations Lead based in Midland, Texas. This person will work closely with a multidisciplinary team in operations, supporting initiatives around optimization and efficiency.

This is a dynamic, "floater" position designed to provide critical leadership coverage across our various terminal locations. In this role, you will frequently travel to different sites to step in and lead teams during operational surges, bridge hiring gaps, or cover for other managers who are on extended leave (often for several weeks at a time). Because you will be supporting different terminals and shifts as needed, this role requires extreme flexibility with your schedule, working hours, and travel.

This role lives in vehicle operations and reports directly to the Operations Manager, working closely with representatives in the organization and within software and hardware. This role is highly organized, mission-driven, and possesses excellent communication with a complete understanding of risk analysis and management.

In this role, you will

• Deploy to various terminal locations to provide extended leadership coverage (e.g., managing a local team for several weeks while the primary manager is on leave).
• Quickly adapt to new terminal environments, schedules, and team dynamics to maintain operational continuity.
• Lead a team of operators
• Lead with empathy and establish an inspired safety culture for all in-vehicle teams
• Lead by example and successfully collaborate cross functionally, with a “Win Together” mindset
• Develop and drive your team by building on individual strengths and opportunities, to ensure continuous growth and development
• Document and deliver constructive and positive performance feedback to your direct reports regularly, through 1:1s
• Follow all Aurora policies and adhere to the Vehicle Operations Manual
• Understand all major Aurora initiatives and programs, with the intention of communicating essential information to your team of direct reports
• Act as POC for key Vehicle Operations projects and offer regular updates to the leadership team
• Interact with the public as an ambassador for Aurora
• (Optional) Become certified as a Vehicle Operator to support excess in-vehicle testing and to better understand the day to day of direct reports.

Required Qualifications

• Safety focused
• Ability to lead by example, and motivate teams.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license with at least 5 years of driving history and a clean driving record, validated by MVR check
• Comfortable with travel for up to one month at a time, up to 30% of your time
• Heavy Travel Required: Comfortable with extensive travel, including deployments to different terminal locations for up to a month or more at a time.
• Extreme Schedule Flexibility: Must be highly adaptable to changing shifts based on the needs of the location you are covering. This includes the ability to work day or night shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends, and rotating schedules.
• Ability to work regular overtime and weekends
• Must pass initial and random drug and alcohol screenings

Desirable Qualifications

• 1+ years experience as people manager, with focus on growth and development
• Experience making schedules, managing vacation requests, and setting goals for self and others
• Solid written and verbal communication skills with ability to adjust for audience
• Intermediate technical aptitude and ability to learn new software applications and processes
• The ability to operate independently when given prior clear direction
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize testing deliverables and assignments, with the goal of driving efficiency gains through process improvement.

The base salary range for this position is $83,000 - $120,500 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

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