Director - Proving Grounds - International Motors

International Motors, LLC; New Carlisle (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

International Motors, LLC in Indiana seeks a Director, Proving Grounds & Test Operations to lead a world-class proving grounds and multiple satellite facilities, overseeing testing, fleet, safety, and compliance to support vehicle validation and certification.

The role drives strategic investments, capital planning, and talent development, building high-performing teams and partnerships with customers and regulators to accelerate next-generation programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 11+ years of operations management experience.
• At least 6 years of management experience.
• Master's degree with 9+ years of operations management experience and 6+ years of management experience.
• 14+ years of operations management experience with leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic investments in testing capabilities, infrastructure, and tech.
• Foster safety, quality, and continuous improvement across operations.
• Direct operating and capital strategy for a premier vehicle validation network.
• Oversee fleet management, driver operations, and logistics across sites.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and staffing for future programs.
• Partner with communities and regulators for growth and accountability.

Education

Bachelor's degree with 11+ years ops mgmt

Master's degree with 9+ years ops mgmt

14+ years ops mgmt experience

Job description

Position Overview

The Director, Proving Grounds & Test Operations, is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance of the company's primary proving grounds and satellite test facilities supporting the verification and validation of commercial vehicle products. This role oversees all facility operations, testing infrastructure, fleet management, safety, regulatory compliance, staffing, and capital planning to ensure world-class support for product development, certification, and vehicle validation activities.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Facility Management

WHAT YOU'LL LEAD

• A world-class proving ground and four satellite test facilities supporting next-generation vehicle development.
• Strategic investments in testing capabilities, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
• A culture of safety, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

WHAT YOU'LL CHAMPION

• A best-in-class safety culture across one of the industry's most advanced testing environments.
• Quality systems and test capabilities supporting certification, durability, powertrain, and advanced technology validation.
• Future-ready operations supporting electrification, autonomy, connectivity, and evolving regulatory requirements.

KEY TESTING CAPABILITIES

EPA, FMVSS, and CMVSS compliance testing | Durability, vehicle dynamics, and powertrain validation | Electrification, energy management, and emerging technology testing

Financial & Capital Leadership

WHAT YOU'LL OWN

• Operating and capital strategy across a premier vehicle validation network.
• Investments that expand capabilities, accelerate innovation, and improve performance.
• Long-term infrastructure and technology roadmaps supporting future vehicle programs.

Customer & Test Operations

WHAT YOU'LL INFLUENCE

• The testing experience for engineering teams and external customers.
• Capacity planning, resource allocation, and operational readiness across multiple sites.
• Faster product development through world-class execution and customer-focused service.

Fleet Operations & Logistics

WHAT YOU'LL INFLUENCE

• A fleet of approximately 350 test vehicles supporting critical development and validation programs.
• Fleet strategy, logistics, maintenance, and lifecycle planning across a multi-site network.
• Continuous improvement in availability, reliability, utilization, and cost performance.

Driver Operations & Workforce Planning

WHAT YOU'LL DELIVER

• A high-performing driver operations organization supporting year-round testing activities.
• Workforce strategies that ensure the right talent, capacity, and expertise are in place.
• Operational readiness across key testing locations throughout North America.

Talent & Organizational Leadership

WHAT YOU'LL BUILD

• High-performing teams ready to support today's testing needs and tomorrow's technologies.
• A culture of accountability, inclusion, learning, and leadership development.
• Organizational capability through succession planning, mentoring, and talent growth.

Community & External Relations

WHAT YOU'LL INFLUENCE

• The reputation of one of the industry's premier validation and testing organizations.
• Strategic partnerships with community leaders, economic development organizations, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Community engagement that strengthens trust, visibility, and long‑term growth.

Government & Property Strategy

WHAT YOU'LL DRIVE

• Partnerships with municipalities, government agencies, and regulatory stakeholders that enable future growth.
• Real estate, facility, and infrastructure strategies supporting expansion and operational capability.
• Site acquisition, development, and investment decisions across a growing testing network.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and at least 11 years of operations management experience
• At least 6 years of management experience

OR

• Master's degree and at least 9 years of operations management experience
• At least 6 years of management experience

OR

• At least 14 years of operations management experience
• At least 6 years of management experience

Additional Requirements

• Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H‑1B status)

Benefits and Compensation

This position offers competitive market‑based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting https://careers.international.com/#benefits. The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.

Company Overview

About TRATON With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus,TRATONSE is the parent and holding company of the TRATONGROUP and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light‑duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”: this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth.

About International From a one‑man company built on the world‑changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000‑person‑strong company we are today,few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.

*International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email [e-mail] to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.