Associate Manager, Tactical Operations

Aurora's Product and Development Operations team is making the technology of the future a reality. We are at the fore-front of technology, providing thought partnership to product, operations & engineering and ensuring commercial operations capabilities are delivered on time, safely and efficiently.

We are looking for an Associate Manager, Tactical Operations to serve as the "boots on the ground" leader responsible for activating new endpoints. You will be deployed to new markets for 3-6 month rotations to implement our operational playbook, troubleshoot issues, and build a high-performing local team. You are the bridge between our central strategy and local execution.

You will report to Development Test Operations leadership. This role requires sustained on-site deployment in new markets up to 3 months at a time.

• Site Activation:
  Lead the on-site setup of new endpoints, ensuring all infrastructure, systems, and processes are ready for launch.
• Playbook Development:
  Develop standard launch and site operations playbooks to ensure consistency across the network.
• Playbook Execution:
  Implement and enforce the company's standard operations playbooks and SOPs to ensure consistency across the network.
• Operational Excellence:
  Manage day-to-day operations during the critical launch phase, including troubleshooting, resolving customer issues, and optimizing workflows.
• Talent Development:
  Lead the hiring, onboarding, and training of permanent local operations staff and leads.
• Transition Management:
  Build local capacity by mentoring and empowering the permanent team, ensuring they are fully capable of running the site independently before the deployment period ends.
• Feedback Loop:
  Provide real-time feedback to the Senior Manager, Development Test Operations on playbook effectiveness, site challenges, and process improvements.

• 5-7+ years of experience in terminal operations, logistics, or site management, including people management experience
• Deep understanding of terminal workflows, endpoint setup, and operational playbooks
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
• Willingness to travel and be deployed to new sites for 3-6 month durations
• Strong customer-facing skills, with the ability to manage relationships and smooth over operational friction

• Experience in the autonomous vehicle, trucking, transportation, or logistics industry
• Experience standing up a new site, terminal, or facility from greenfield through steady-state operations
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methods (Lean, Six Sigma, standard work, root-cause analysis)
• Experience hiring and building a frontline operations team in a new market
• Comfort working with operational data and BI tools (Tableau, Looker, PowerBI) to monitor site performance
• BA/BS degree in a related field, or equivalent practical experience

The base salary range for this position is $111,000 - $160,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together - all without any…