Operations Strategy and Planning Manager

Wayve•Sunnyvale, CA

4h•$171,000 - $229,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Wayve is seeking an Operations Strategy and Planning Manager to join their Commercial & Operations organization. This role will serve as a strategic force multiplier for the global Fleet Operations function, operating at the intersection of data, strategy, and execution. The manager will translate fleet performance and operational complexity into clear strategic direction and actionable plans. This position is ideal for individuals with a strong consulting or strategy background who wish to apply rigorous analytical thinking to the challenges of deploying autonomous vehicles at scale. The role involves close collaboration with the Head of Commercial Operations and the Fleet Operations leadership team to drive the strategic agenda, including annual planning, headcount modeling, cross-functional initiatives, and executive reporting.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
Synthesise fleet performance data, operational metrics, and capacity trends into strategic recommendations that inform leadership decisions and drive continuous improvement across the operations organisation.
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.
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.
Serve as the connective tissue across Wayve’s global fleet operations teams — aligning regional leads, surfacing blockers, and ensuring consistent execution against shared goals.
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.
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.