Operations Manager, Middle East

Established in 2017, WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) is a leading global commercial-stage company that develops autonomous driving technologies from Level 2 to Level 4. WeRide is the only tech company in the world that holds driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore and the US, conducting autonomous driving R&D, tests and operations in over 30 cities of 9 countries around the world. WeRide has operated a self-driving fleet for more than 1,900 days.

The Local Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in our Middle East expansion strategy. Based in the region, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our local vehicle operations, including the management of safety officers, training programs, the establishment of vehicle operation centers, comprehensive vehicle operation management, as well as the coordination and execution of autonomous driving testing tasks. This role requires a deep understanding of the local market, regulatory environment, and cultural nuances, combined with strong leadership, operational expertise, and strategic thinking to drive the successful implementation and growth of our autonomous driving services in the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Management:
  Build a high-performing team of safety officers, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to support our autonomous driving operations and testing activities.
  Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and performance management to the safety officer team, fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and collaboration.
  Develop and implement training programs tailored to the specific needs of the local market, covering autonomous driving technology, safety protocols, customer service, local regulations, and testing procedures.
• Vehicle Operation Center Setup:
  Lead the establishment of vehicle operation centers in key locations across the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.
  Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, logistics, and finance, to ensure the efficient setup and operation of the centers, including facility acquisition, equipment procurement, and infrastructure development.
  Define and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for vehicle operation center activities, ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery, with specific focus on facilitating testing operations.
• Vehicle Operation Management:
  Oversee the day-to-day operation of our autonomous driving vehicle fleet, including vehicle dispatching, maintenance, and performance monitoring, with an emphasis on supporting testing requirements.
  Develop and implement strategies to optimize vehicle utilization, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency, ensuring the reliable and safe operation of our vehicles during regular services and testing.
  Collaborate with local authorities, regulatory bodies, and industry partners to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and safety standards, and to address any operational challenges or issues that may arise during testing.
  Analyze operational data and metrics to identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement initiatives to enhance the performance and competitiveness of our vehicle operations, leveraging insights from testing results.
• Autonomous Driving Testing Task Coordination:
  Serve as the main point of contact for all autonomous driving testing tasks in the Middle East region, collaborating closely with internal R&D teams, engineering departments, and external partners.
  Develop detailed testing plans in line with local regulations and project requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage of various driving scenarios and conditions.
  Coordinate the execution of testing tasks, including vehicle deployment, data collection, and monitoring, and ensure seamless communication among all involved parties.
  Manage and resolve issues or risks that occur during testing, working with relevant teams to implement corrective actions promptly.
  Prepare and submit regular reports on testing progress, results, and findings to senior management and relevant stakeholders, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement of our autonomous driving technology.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, transportation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, preferably in the automotive, transportation, or technology industry, with at least 1 year of experience in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing teams, projects, and operations in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with experience in the Middle East market being highly desirable.
• Experience in setting up and managing vehicle operation centers, including facility planning, equipment procurement, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with autonomous driving technology, safety protocols, and regulations, and a strong understanding of the transportation industry and market trends is preferred.
• Experience in coordinating and executing automotive or autonomous driving testing tasks, including test plan development, data management, and issue resolution.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to think strategically and drive operational excellence.
• Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and verbal; other languages are a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high level of adaptability, flexibility, and resilience.
• Strong fleet management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, especially in the context of testing and operations.