Director of Operations

The Director, Operations, Waymo Partnership serves as the senior leader responsible for driving the operational growth & excellence, and financial performance of the Waymo partnership within AutoNation. This role shapes the long-term direction of the partnership, overseeing multi-market operations, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration, and positioning AutoNation as a premier service partner in autonomous and electric mobility.

With full P&L accountability, this leader will translate enterprise strategy into measurable business outcomes, optimize workforce and resource allocation, and serve as the key liaison between AutoNation's senior leadership team and Waymo's leadership team. The role requires a strategic and operationally minded leader who can balance visionary growth with disciplined execution, guiding one of AutoNation's most innovative and rapidly evolving business ventures.

Leadership, Culture, & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse team of field leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Embed AutoNation's D.R.I.V.E. values into all aspects of operations and leadership decision-making.
• Partner with HR and Learning & Development to design leadership development programs, career progression frameworks, and technician advancement pathways.
• Champion employee engagement, inclusion, and retention initiatives that promote high performance and organizational health.

Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Oversee and optimize operations across multiple sites, ensuring consistent service quality, productivity, and adherence to safety and brand standards.
• Leverage analytics and operational data to improve forecasting, workforce planning, and customer experience.
• Implement enterprise-level performance dashboards and business intelligence tools to track operational efficiency and identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive cost optimization and process improvement initiatives to support profitability and scalability.

Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Planning

• Develop and execute the long-term strategic roadmap for the Waymo partnership, ensuring alignment with AutoNation's corporate growth and innovation objectives.
• Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure operational success, workforce efficiency, and profitability across all markets.
• Provide thought leadership and data-driven insights to the executive team, influencing corporate strategy around EV mobility, network expansion, and service delivery models.
• Drive continuous assessment of business models, anticipating market shifts and positioning the organization for long-term competitiveness in the autonomous and EV ecosystem.

Organizational Growth & Business Expansion

• Oversee large-scale operational expansion, including workforce growth, new market launches, and service diversification across multiple geographic regions.
• Establish scalable operating frameworks that enhance consistency, efficiency, and leadership autonomy across field operations.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Supply Chain to forecast staffing, resource, and budget requirements that align with business growth and profitability targets.
• Ensure that all expansion and operational models support long-term sustainability and strategic alignment with AutoNation's enterprise objectives.

Executive Collaboration & Strategic Influence

• Serve as the senior point of contact between AutoNation and Waymo, managing executive communications, partnership performance reviews, and strategic initiatives.
• Deliver regular updates and business reviews to the C-suite, providing clear, actionable insights on operations, financial outcomes, and growth opportunities.
• Partner cross-functionally with leaders across Operations, Finance, IT, HR, and Marketing to drive cohesive strategy execution and operational excellence.

Fleet & Infrastructure Optimization

• Drive operational planning for national fleet management, ensuring availability, uptime, and cost efficiency.
• Implement innovative fleet management practices and technology solutions that enhance operational agility and sustainability.
• Integrate operational best practices that align with AutoNation's environmental, safety, and performance standards.

Field Operations & Executive Visibility

• Engage with frontline teams and site leaders regularly to ensure alignment between field execution and strategic priorities.
• Conduct structured site visits and operational audits to assess performance, safety, and service delivery.
• Provide executive-level coaching and mentorship to field leaders to strengthen operational discipline and leadership capability.
• Represent AutoNation at partner events, industry forums, and leadership summits to strengthen brand presence and strategic relationships.

Qualifications:

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive service operations, mobility services, or large-scale production environments; 5+ years in multi-site or enterprise operations leadership.

• Proven success managing P&L and achieving measurable results in operational growth, service quality, and financial performance.
• Strong strategic acumen with demonstrated experience in long-term planning, organizational scaling, and cross-functional leadership.
• Exceptional executive presence and ability to communicate effectively with internal and external C-suite stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of EV service models, technician workforce management, and emerging trends in autonomous mobility.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• High proficiency in business analytics, financial modeling, and performance reporting tools (Excel, Power BI, or similar).

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Experience managing large-scale fleet or logistics operations within an advanced mobility, OEM, or technology environment.
• Background in building or managing strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
• Working knowledge of SQL or advanced data tools for operational insights.
• Familiarity with the evolving EV, connected services, and autonomous technology ecosystems.

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching
• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.
• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear
• Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers
• Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.

AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.