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Transportation

Program Manager, AV Operational Excellence

RemoteRemoteFull TimePosted 1 month ago

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Required skills

AV partner audits
evidence collection
submission
partner review
third-party review
mitigation oversight
closeout
compliance controls
readiness
EHS

Nice to have

modernizing them
AV
automotive
aviation
safety-critical, audited industry

Role summary

Lyft is seeking a Program Manager, AV Operational Excellence to own the systems, processes, and partner alignment critical for scaling Autonomous Vehicle (AV) operations. This role involves end-to-end execution of AV partner audits, ensuring compliance and quality standards are met across multiple markets and partners. You will drive coordination across various internal teams (EHS, Legal, Safety, HR, IT, Operations) and external stakeholders, manage audit tracking systems, and develop repeatable processes. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in program management, compliance, or audit within regulated environments, with a strong track record of driving cross-functional work and managing complex operational programs. Prior experience in AV, automotive, or other safety-critical industries is strongly preferred. This is a hybrid role based in Toronto.

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect. We aim to achieve this by cultivating a work environment where all team members belong and have the opportunity to thrive.

The autonomous transition is a transformational opportunity for Lyft. Our strategy focuses on becoming the preferred marketplace, fleet, and operational partner for the world's best Autonomous Vehicle (AV) providers. As AV deployments scale across new markets, the operational infrastructure that enables safe, compliant, and high-quality service becomes a critical competitive advantage. This role sits at the heart of that infrastructure - owning the systems, processes, and partner alignment that allow Lyft to operate at the standards our AV partners require and our riders expect.

As a qualified candidate, you have a track record of building and running complex operational programs in highly regulated or standards-driven environments. You are energized by cross-functional complexity - comfortable leading structured implementation processes that span many teams while keeping a clear eye on compliance and quality outcomes. You bring a program management mindset, strong stakeholder communication skills, and the judgment to navigate ambiguity in a fast-moving industry.

Responsibilities:

Own execution of AV partner audits end-to-end. That includes evidence collection, submission, partner and third-party review, mitigation oversight, and closeout, across concurrent certification cycles for multiple markets and AV partners, domestic and international.

Act as a strategic leader within the company to support cross-functional teams’ compliance controls and readiness for partner scrutiny

Drive coordination across teams including EHS, Legal, Safety, HR, IT and Operations for every deliverable. Translate partner and regulatory requirements into concrete, assignable asks and ensure deadlines are met

Maintain and continuously improve the audit tracking system, including the evidence library, audit trail, and submission tooling. Lead platform improvements as volume and complexity grow

Identify non-conforming items surfaced during audits, assist in identifying mitigation, and track corrective actions with the owning function through to closure

Manage the logistics and stakeholder prep for audits, including document readiness and staff interviews

Build repeatable playbooks so each new market or partner audit cycle runs faster and with less rework than the last

Report clearly and credibly on timelines and risk to leadership on behalf of AV Operational Excellence

Act as the primary audit point of contact for AV partners

Experience:

5+ years in program management, compliance, quality assurance, or audit-adjacent roles within a regulated or standards-driven environment

A track record of driving structured, deadline-driven cross-functional work without formal authority over contributing teams. Comfortable pushing partners to deliver and escalating when needed

Strong command of audit and evidence management mechanics: tracking systems, documentation rigor, version control, and chain-of-custody type discipline

Experience with spreadsheet or database-driven tracking systems, and interest in modernizing them

Prior exposure to AV, automotive, aviation, or another safety-critical, audited industry strongly preferred

This is an individual contributor role at launch, with room to grow into leading a small team as certification volume scales

Benefits:

Extended health and dental coverage options, along with life insurance and disability benefits

Mental health benefits

Family building benefits

Child care and pet benefits

Access to a Lyft funded Health Care Savings Account

RRSP plan with company match to help save for your future

In addition to provincial observed holidays, salaried team members are covered under Lyft's flexible paid time off policy. The policy allows team members to take off as much time as they need (with manager approval). Hourly team members get 15 days paid time off, with an additional day for each year of service

Lyft is proud to support new parents with 18 weeks of paid time off, designed as a top-up plan to complement provincial programs. Biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible.

Subsidized commuter benefits and Lyft ride credits

Lyft is committed to creating an inclusive workforce that fosters belonging. Lyft believes that every person has a right to equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, pardoned record of offences, or any other basis protected by applicable law or by Company policy. Lyft also strives for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibits harassment of any kind. Accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided upon request in accordance with applicable law during the application and hiring process. Please contact your recruiter if you wish to make such a request.

Lyft highly values having employees working in-office to foster a collaborative work environment and company culture. This role will be in-office on a hybrid schedule — Team Members will be expected to work in the office at least 3 days per week, including on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Lyft considers working in the office at least 3 days per week to be an essential function of this hybrid role. Your recruiter can share more information about the various in-office perks Lyft offers. Additionally, hybrid roles have the flexibility to work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks per year. #Hybrid

The expected base pay range for this position in the Toronto area is CAD $108,000 - CAD $135,000, not inclusive of potential equity offering, bonus or benefits. Salary ranges are dependent on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience and geographic location. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range specific to your working location and other factors during the hiring process.

Lyft may use artificial intelligence to screen applicants, however, Lyft employees make the ultimate selection and hiring decisions.

This job fills an existing vacancy.

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