Fleet Operations Manager

Fleet Operations makes the capacity that Service Operations then runs. As Fleet Operations Manager, you own the depot: vehicles, AVOs, technicians, workshop, charging infrastructure, parts, and the release of every vehicle to service each day. If a vehicle cannot go out - for any reason - that is your problem. Once released to service, Service Operations owns what happens from there. This is a hands-on, depot-based role.

Who are we? At Verne, we're building an ecosystem to progress our society through a journey of curiosity and innovation. Named in honor of Jules Verne "the man who invented the future,". We are the first European solution for autonomous journeys. We adopt an integrated approach, including vehicle design, infrastructure development, and the full digital experience.

As a growing startup, we thrive on curiosity, innovation, and bold ideas. If you’re ready to make your mark in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, this could be the role for you. What will you do?

• Own vehicle availability, turnaround time, and cost per vehicle per day at your depot. These are the scorecard numbers Fleet Operations is judged by.
• Lead AVOs and workshop technicians at the depot - shift patterns, rostering, attendance, discipline, training, and progression.
• Own planned and unplanned maintenance and the release-to-service handover: vehicles arrive at the depot for readying, and leave the depot ready to go.
• Own parts, consumables, spares, and the depot itself - stock, charging infrastructure, workshop tooling, working conditions, and site safety. Coordinate with Procurement and the Partner Program on Pony-side parts flows.
• Deliver against the shared measure - revenue trips completed per vehicle per day - jointly with Service Operations. Neither role can move this number alone.
• Escalate anything that stops a vehicle going out before it becomes a lost revenue day.

What do you need to succeed?

• 8+ years in fleet or workshop operations leadership, ideally in commercial vehicles, rideshare fleet operations, logistics, or public transport.
• Personally accountable for vehicle availability and turnaround at a fleet of at least 20-50 vehicles at some point in your career - not just a workshop supervisor role.
• Strong workshop and maintenance background - you know what good release-to-service looks like and you know how to enforce it against commercial pressure.
• Experience managing a mixed team of AVOs (or drivers), technicians, and support staff - shift patterns, rostering, discipline, progression, all at a depot rather than remotely.
• Hands-on operator - you will walk the workshop floor, sit through the morning release-to-service brief, and know your AVOs by name. This is a depot job, not a spreadsheet job.
• Comfortable with the numbers - vehicle availability, turnaround, cost per vehicle per day, revenue trips per vehicle per day. You should be able to explain why yours are what they are, not just report them.
• Fluent in Croatian language and professional English for Verne-wide communication.

Success in role

• Vehicle availability at your depot consistently at or above target - trended, understood, and defended in every weekly review.
• Release-to-service is a non-event - vehicles arrive, get worked, and leave ready to go on time, every day. No surprises escalated to the COO because of a preventable depot issue.
• AVOs and technicians at your depot are engaged, retained, and progressing.
• The shared measure - revenue trips per vehicle per day - is moving in the right direction, and your Service Operations counterparts are not blaming Fleet Ops for a slow week.

What’s in it for you? Joining Verne means becoming part of a team shaping the future of autonomous mobility. Here’s what we offer:

• The chance to collaborate with experts from 20+ industries.
• Ownership of your projects, with the freedom to innovate and take initiative.
• A culture of transparency, feedback, and open communication.
• Comprehensive financial and wellbeing support designed to meet diverse needs.
• The excitement of working in a fast-growing startup where your ideas truly matter.

How can you apply? If this role and our mission resonate with you, hit the Apply button! We typically review applications within 3-4 business days, but since we want to give each one the attention it deserves, please allow a little extra time if needed. Once we've had a chance to fully evaluate your submission, we’ll reach out with details about the next steps.

If Shortlisted, Here’s What To Expect

• An initial HR interview focused on culture fit.
• A technical interview with the Hiring Manager.
• A final interview with C-level.

Not sure if this role is the right fit? We’re always looking for creators who challenge the status quo and aren’t afraid to take the lead. If that’s you, explore our story - we might have other opportunities that spark your interest.

Verne (Project 3 Mobility) is a company comprised of people with different qualities and backgrounds, because we believe our differences make us stronger. That is why we evaluate qualified applicants fairly and equally, without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. All applications will be considered in accordance with the regulations of personal data protection.