About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Fleet Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of our fleet operations. This role is responsible for managing drivers, key control, vehicle ownership, optimizing operational efficiency, building process, ensuring compliance, and maintaining cost control to support safe, reliable, and financially efficient transportation services.  

This role includes a blend of technical and operational responsibilities focused on the real-time management of both non-autonomous and autonomously equipped vehicles. The Forterra Fleet is a blend of company owned assets, customer owned vehicles, and varies in size from small to large vehicles depending on the projects awarded.  

The Fleet Operations Manager will report to the Sr. Mission Support Manager but work in close partnership with all functional areas across the company. 

What you'll do

• Driver Management
• • Manage driver list to ensure proper licensing and records are on file; update accordingly.
  • Evaluate DOT compliance and vehicle registrations to align with our driver capability and business need.
  • Ensure the company understands completed driver pool and what the Fleet Team is capable of.
• Operational Efficiency
• • Monitor and analyze operational data pulled from our Fleet Management System.
  • Strategic management of fleet assets (determining what fleet resources we need, working with teams to acquire new assets for the fleet as necessary, etc.).
  • Identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance overall fleet performance.
  • Partners with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and adopt best practices.
  • Enhance and deploy key control and motor pool area use.
  • Creates and maintains SOP documentation for operations processes
  • Communicate with multiple Operations team members, in an energetic and courteous manner
  • Experience in formal leadership roles that included performance management, career progression, and goal setting for direct reports.
  • Experience with hardware/software integrated products and familiarity with core components of an automation system and associated peripherals
  • Project management experience
  • Ability to balance deliberate planning processes with the fast-paced operational tempo
  • Critical thinking skills and ability to turn intent into tangible action/results.
• Budgeting and Cost Control
• • Develop and manage the fleet operations budget.
  • Track expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or service quality.
  • Negotiate with vendors and service providers to optimize financial efficiency for things like sparing and repairs.
  • Set up new partnerships in new test site areas, as they are stood up.
• Compliance and Safety
• • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal transportation regulations.
  • Develop and enforce safety protocols to protect drivers, vehicles, and cargo.
  • Conduct regular audits, inspections, and training to maintain high safety standards.
  • Partner with SMS team to ensure timely mitigations, actions, and close out of any findings related to fleet.

Qualifications

• Mission-First Mindset - We put the needs of the mission and our customers first and understand that the US and its allies have no preordained right to victory in any future conflict.  
• Ownership Mentality - We’re looking for owners; those who have a natural bias to assume responsibility, a healthy dose of skepticism, and contribute to a culture of performance.  
• Technical Aptitude and Intellectual Curiosity - We are first and foremost a technology company, working at the leading edge of capabilities like machine learning, autonomy, distributed networking, and multi-modal sensor fusion.  
• Structured Thinker and Problem Solver - Leading technical programs requires clear communication and well-thought-out plans. A solution-driven approach, the ability to distill complexity into its essential, 2 digestible components, and the ability to supervise execution are critical to ensure mission success. 
• 360 Degree Leader - We are a non-hierarchical organization with a matrix structure that is dynamic and evolving. We expect you to be self-aware enough to recognize your position of unstated leadership within the company. You should have a demonstrated ability to lead and influence people through both formal and informal constructs and in situations where there is lack of clarity across teams. 

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field OR equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in fleet management, transportation, or logistics. (5+ years experience).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and adjust KPIs and operational data. 
• Knowledge of transportation regulations and safety standards. 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. 
• Budget management and cost-control expertise. 
• Be a motivated individual with the ability to work under high stress situations while continuing good judgment.
• The ability to use critical thinking and possess excellent problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with fleet management software and telematics systems; specific focus on Fleetio, JIRA, SharePoint, and MS systems.
• Experience leading team to excellence with a matrixed, cross functional organization and team. 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 
• Self-starter and self-motivator on both small and large projects. 
• A basic understanding of autonomous vehicle systems or a strong willingness to learn is essential. 
• Proficiency with various software systems and excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical for reporting, collaboration, and assistance. 

US Salary Range
 

Location

On-Site 5 Days/Week in Clarksburg, MD

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.  
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. 
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires. 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.  

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.