Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Operations Manager

General Manager

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

The General Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for 24/7 AV services. This role is accountable for driving organizational performance, ensuring client satisfaction, and fostering vendor and team excellence. The GM will act as the primary liaison for executive-level client engagement and lead initiatives that align with business objectives and growth strategies.

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 rate 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.