Operations Strategist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

At Wayve, your contributions matter. We value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment; we back each other to deliver impact.

Make Wayve the experience that defines your career!

We’re looking for an Operations Strategy and Planning Manager to join Wayve’s Commercial & Operations organisation, acting as a strategic force multiplier for our global Fleet Operations function. This role sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and execution, translating fleet performance and operational complexity into clear strategic direction and actionable plans.

This is an ideal role for someone with a strong consulting or strategy background who wants to apply rigorous analytical thinking to one of the most operationally complex and consequential challenges in technology: deploying autonomous vehicles at scale. You’ll work closely with the Head of Commercial Operations and the Fleet Operations leadership team to drive the strategic agenda — from annual planning and headcount modelling to cross‑functional initiatives and executive reporting.

• Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Own the operations annual and quarterly planning cycles — translating organisational priorities into structured plans with clear milestones, owners, and interdependencies across global fleet operations teams.
• Data‑Driven Insights: Synthesise fleet performance data, operational metrics, and capacity trends into strategic recommendations that inform leadership decisions and drive continuous improvement across the operations organisation.
• Headcount & Budget Planning: Lead headcount modelling and budget planning for the operations function, partnering with Finance and People teams to ensure resource allocation is aligned to strategic priorities and growth targets.
• Special Projects: Own and drive high‑priority, time‑sensitive initiatives that cut across teams and functions — from standing up new operational capabilities to supporting commercial programme launches and global expansions.
• Cross‑Functional Coordination: Serve as the connective tissue across Wayve’s global fleet operations teams — aligning regional leads, surfacing blockers, and ensuring consistent execution against shared goals.
• Executive Communication: Develop high‑quality materials for leadership reviews, board updates, and cross‑functional forums — distilling complex operational realities into clear narratives that drive alignment and decision‑making.
• Operating Rhythm: Design and maintain the operational cadence for the function — including leadership forums, OKR tracking, and communications — ensuring the team is focused on the right priorities at the right time.

In order to set you up for success as an Operations Strategy and Planning Manager at Wayve, we’re looking for the following skills and experience.

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree, with prior experience at a top‑tier management consulting firm or in a strategy/operations role at a high‑growth technology company.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills — comfortable working with large datasets to generate insights, build models, and support data‑driven decision‑making.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, cross‑functional initiatives from scoping through to delivery in fast‑paced environments with competing priorities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills — able to synthesise ambiguous information into clear frameworks and present confidently to senior leadership.
• Experience leading planning processes (annual planning, headcount modelling, budget management) in a dynamic, scaling organisation.
• A structured thinker with a bias for action — someone who can bring order to ambiguity without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Comfortable operating with significant autonomy while maintaining close alignment with leadership priorities.

• Experience in operations strategy, fleet management, or logistics in a technology or mobility context.
• Familiarity with autonomous vehicles, advanced mobility, or deep‑tech environments.
• Experience building and managing OKR frameworks or similar goal‑setting and performance management systems.
• Exposure to financial modelling, scenario planning, or business case development.
• Proficiency with data visualisation and analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker, SQL, or equivalent).
• Experience working across international teams and navigating global operational complexity.

This role is a full‑time role based in Sunnyvale, CA (hybrid) and the reasonably estimated salary for this role ranges from $171,000 to $229,000, plus a competitive equity package. Actual compensation is based on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

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.

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, and regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law.

For more information visit Careers at Wayve.

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DISCLAIMER: We will not ask about marriage or pregnancy, care responsibilities or disabilities in any of our job adverts or interviews. However, we do look to capture information about care responsibilities, and disabilities among other diversity information as part of an optional DEI Monitoring form to help us identify areas of improvement in our hiring process and ensure that the process is inclusive and non‑discriminatory.