UK Operations Lead

In this hybrid role, you will report to the Director, Head of Operations Center

You will:

• Strategic Leadership & Execution: Defines and drives the UK operational road map, ensuring local growth aligns with Waymo’s global objectives and long-term expansion strategy.

• Safety & Operational Health: Holds end-to-end accountability for regional safety standards, service reliability, and maintaining high levels of customer trust.

• Market Entry & Scaling: Leads the "launch-to-scale" life-cycle, ensuring operational readiness, partner capabilities, and disciplined execution during UK market entry. 

• Stakeholder & Partner Management: Serves as the primary UK representative to regulators and community leaders while managing vendor performance and regional governance. 

• Cross-Functional Integration: Acts as the central hub connecting regional operations with global product, engineering, and safety teams to streamline enterprise-wide goals.

• Financial & Talent Oversight: Manages regional budgets and cost efficiencies while mentoring leadership talent to foster a culture of accountability and excellence.

You have:

• Senior Operational Leadership in Transportation or related field: 15+ years of experience leading large scope multi-facility operations, technology,in or logistics at a senior level.

• UK Market Entry Expertise: A proven track record of successfully launching and scaling large-scale operations specifically within the UK market.

• Safety & Regulatory Management: Demonstrated experience managing safety-critical environments and navigating complex regulatory landscapes or strategic partnerships.

• Governance & Performance Metrics: Expertise in defining KPIs, establishing governance structures, and setting clear operational priorities. 

• Technical & Field Integration: Proven ability to bridge the gap between engineering/product development and on-the-ground field teams.

• Financial & Talent Oversight: Advanced proficiency in P&L management and budget oversight, paired with a history of building and mentoring high-performing leadership teams.

We prefer:

• Autonomous Vehicle Sector Knowledge: Direct experience in the AV industry or emerging mobility technology, providing a head start on technical and safety nuances.

• An MBA or an advanced degree in Engineering, Logistics, or a related field from a leading institution. 

• Multi-Market Expansion: Experience scaling operations in the UK market. 

• Continuous Improvement Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt or above or similar certification level.

• Agile Methodology: Familiarity with agile product development cycles to better integrate with engineering and software teams.