Head of Operations (m/w/d)

Job Description

Our goal is to make clean power accessible, to accelerate the shift to zero carbon power and transport.

We’re building and operating the world’s most sophisticated battery systems to enable the uptake of more renewable power and accelerating fleet electrification, de-risking the transition to zero-emission transport at scale. We’ve been consistently innovative since we were founded in 2017, achieving major industry firsts and using proprietary software and data analysis to optimise operational performance for our customers. At the end of their life, we repurpose electric vehicle batteries to provide clean power at depots, on construction sites and film sets.

Today we have 730 MW of grid scale battery storage operational and under construction and are the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, supporting over 1,000 electric vehicles worldwide. In our first five years we have raised nearly £1.8 billion in funding and have expanded into other markets such as the US. Our rapidly growing company is looking for highly talented and motivated people to join us.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to oversee and optimize the end-to-end asset lifecycle and operational performance of our electric vehicle (EV) fleet across the United States. As the Head of Asset Management and Operations, you will be responsible for strategic asset planning, operational efficiency, fleet uptime, and ensuring our EV fleet delivers maximum value in alignment with our growth, sustainability, and financial goals.

A Bit About the Day to Day

Asset Management

• Develop and execute long-term asset lifecycle strategies for EVs, batteries, and related infrastructure.
• Support procurement, deployment, utilization, and retirement planning for fleet assets.
• Manage asset performance KPIs, including depreciation, ROI, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Implement digital asset tracking systems for real-time monitoring and reporting.
• Oversee asset valuation, inventory, insurance, and regulatory compliance.

Fleet Operations

• Lead national operations for EV fleet deployment, maintenance, logistics, and service delivery.
• Ensure high vehicle availability, operational uptime, and SLA compliance.
• Optimize routing, charging schedules, and vehicle allocation using telematics and analytics tools.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, reliability, and performance standards.
• Coordinate with OEMs, charging infrastructure providers, and service partners.
• Manage O&M partners, selection, renewals, quality and cost efficiencies

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Partner with finance, product, and Business Development teams to scale the EV fleet in alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and P&L for the fleet operations division.
• Identify and implement strategic technology solutions (e.g., fleet management software, AI for predictive maintenance).
• Track and incorporate emerging trends in EV technology, energy pricing, and regulatory changes.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Build and lead a high-performing asset and operations team, including field staff and remote fleet managers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (supply chain, engineering, customer success).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Champion sustainability, ESG initiatives, and best practices in fleet decarbonization.

This will include:

• Working with the Zenobe safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) team to ensure a positive approach to health and safety and environment. For example, carrying out regular H&S site visits, ensuring H&S site risk assessments and incident response plans are in place and ensuring regular environmental audits are completed.
• Putting in place operating and maintenance plans for each site and ensuring that they are followed, including all statutory operating and maintenance records.
• Deciding on the optimum balance between in-house and sub-contractor resources.
• Building and leading the in-house Zenobe operation and maintenance team in accordance with the operating and maintenance plans and the optimum balance of in-house and sub-contractor resources.
• Managing sub-contractors to ensure optimum performance
• Ensuring that an effective issue resolution process is in place using the 24/7 contact centre.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to identify key pain points and vulnerabilities as well as identify and follow up on opportunities for future improvements, driving success for Zenobe and our customers
• Gathering and analysing asset information to develop mid-life capital investment (mid-life capex) plans eg optimising replacement of batteries on buses.
• Gathering and analysing asset information to produce end of asset life plans eg re-purposing to the Zenobe Second Life team.
• Working with Zenobe’s Product team to develop system designs and future software releases
• Working with Zenobe’s Commercial Analytics team to ensure monitoring and reporting on performance is adequate and insightful and to expand automated reporting
• Working with Zenobe’s Commercial Analytics team to ensure monitoring, automated alerting and reporting on performance is adequate and insightful.

Health and Safety

• Actively contribute to Zenobe's commitment to health and safety, wellbeing and sustainability by; integrating these principles into daily responsibilities, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment, promoting both the physical and mental health of self and colleagues, and adopting sustainable and energy-efficient practices to minimize environmental impact. By doing so, each employee at Zenobe plays a vital role in fostering a culture that prioritises overall safety, holistic wellbeing, environmental sustainability in our business operations.

Your Experience

Essential Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Logistics, or related field (Master’s/MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in fleet management, operations, asset management, or mobility services.
• Proven leadership in managing large-scale EV or automotive fleets (or equivalent high-capex assets).
• Strong knowledge of EV technologies, battery management systems, charging infrastructure, and vehicle telematics.
• Experience with data-driven operations, KPIs, and enterprise asset management (EAM) systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with U.S. DOT regulations, environmental and energy compliance standards.
• Background in renewable energy, shared mobility, or last-mile logistics.

Experience scaling fleets in high-growth or startup environments.

For Ilinois / NYC Compensation Description (annually)

Please note that the base salary range is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location.

Base pay is one part of the total package that is provided to compensate and recognise employees for their work and any role at Zenobē, regardless of the location, is eligible for additional discretionary bonuses.

Base salary per annum:

USD$145,000 - USD$185,000 per annum

Our Benefits

We have an open, honest and trusting culture here at Zenobe. Apart from the unparallel opportunity to be at the forefront of the Net Zero revolution we are proud of the culture we have built. Here is what we can offer when you join the Zenobe community;

• At Zenobe we all work hard and go the extra mile so it’s important to rest and regenerate with 20 days holiday which increases after 5 years’ service
• 401k Scheme – Up to 4% matching
• Excellent opportunities for personal growth and responsibility plus a training budget
• Up to 33% performance related bonus
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance (We offer 3 Robust medical plans including one that’s 100% employer-paid coverage for employees and 75% paid for the dependents/spouse)
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits

Our Approach to Diversity and Inclusion

Zenobe is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment which is as representative as possible of our society. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership pregnancy /maternity, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, political beliefs and sexual orientation. Our culture values meritocracy, openness, fairness, and transparency.