Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Operations Associate Director (remote) - Remote Eligible

Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Operations Associate Director (Remote)

Cognizant is a large IT consulting firm that leverages modern technologies to improve a variety of business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define, plan and execute the overall operational strategy for AV services to meet business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across processes, technology, and workforce management.
• Align operational goals with organizational vision and client expectations.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration among engineering, product, and business teams

Client Management

• Serve as the executive point of contact for client relationships and strategic engagement.
• Understand client business priorities and translate them into operational deliverables.
• Conduct executive-level business reviews and ensure proactive communication on performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Build long-term partnerships through trust, transparency, and consistent delivery.
• Drive operational governance meetings with the client at the regular cadence (WBR/ MBR/ Quarterly/ One-on-one with client leadership)

Operations Oversight

• Ensure seamless 24/7 AV operations with robust governance and risk management.
• Accountable for SLA and KPI compliance across all operational units.
• Implement scalable processes to support growth and service continuity.
• Drive operational excellence through structured planning and execution.
• Accountable for operational compliance and safety mitigation procedures
• Vendor Management
• Establish and maintain strategic vendor partnerships to optimize service delivery.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure adherence to performance metrics.
• Resolve escalations and foster collaborative relationships for mutual success.
• Manage current partners' performance, expand new partners based on business needs / scale.
• Performance & People Leadership
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team.
• Set clear performance expectations and management, and provide coaching for continuous development.
• Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Oversee workforce planning and succession strategies.
• Financial & Reporting
• Own P&L for AV operations and ensure financial targets are met.
• Prepare and present executive-level reports on operational performance, financial health, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising service quality.
• Risk & Problem Solving
• Anticipate and mitigate operational risks through proactive planning.
• Lead crisis management and ensure business continuity in high-pressure scenarios.
• Drive innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Manage all sites (requires travel to all new / existing markets based on business needs)

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in operations leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Proven track record managing large-scale, 24/7 operational environments.
• Strong expertise in client relationship management at an executive level.
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L and deliver financial accountability.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in the autonomous vehicle industry or technology-driven operations.
• Ability to implement industry best practices and drive innovation at scale

Salary and Other Compensation: The yearly salary for this position is between $140,000.00 – $160,000.00, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The hourly rate, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

What we offer

• The chance to work with impact. Here, you're empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
• Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
• The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other's experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
• Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
• True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.

About us Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World's Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com.

Other employment-related information Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.

Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you'll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.