Proving Ground Program Manager (Auburndale, Florida)

Applus+ IDIADA is a global partner to the automotive industry, supporting its clients in their product development activities by providing design, engineering, testing and homologation services. As a TOP Employer certified company, we have a large team of more than 3000 professionals drawn from over 22 countries, as well as an international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries which ensures that our clients get customized, added-value solutions. IDIADA offers you the opportunity to develop a career in one of the worldwide leading automotive engineering companies.

At Applus IDIADA we are looking for talent to help us shaping the mobility of tomorrow with safer, more efficient, and sustainable vehicles. With presence in 22 countries, we offer job positions around the world and internal / transversal mobility within the company. The automotive sector is currently living a moment of deep technological change. At IDIADA, we focus on constant innovation to adapt our services’ portfolio to an ever-changing environment. Therefore, as part of our team, we expect you to be dynamic and eager to learn and grow with us.

If you want an opportunity to challenge yourself and enhance your technical skills, to work in a thriving environment and to work alongside world-leading experts, then apply for one of our vacancies.

Job Description

As  Program Manager of the Proving Ground, you will be responsible for managing all services performed by Applus IDIADA, as operator of the proving ground.

Proving Ground Introduction

Our proving ground partner is a research and testing facility developed by the Florida DOT in Auburndale, Florida. It sits on 475 acres and includes multiple state-of-the art vehicle test tracks, workshops and buildings. The facility is dedicated to the development and testing of emerging transportation technologies.

Main Responsibilities:

• Primary point of contact for the Proving Ground owner (Florida DOT)
• Oversight of strategic planning for the management of the the Proving Ground that indicates vision and growth, with annual reporting responsibilities
• Oversight of the Marketing and Business Development Plan along with performance measures, annual reporting
• Develop cooperation with academia to promote FDOT´s mission and its transportation research activities
• Oversight of the Utilization Plan that envelops in the business, strategic, and marketing plan to yield results. 
• Ensure an optimized utilization of the facility to research, test and deploy transportation technology systems
• Oversight of all activities performed including planning, organizing, and implementing tasks
• Oversight of staff and resources for all tasks and activities performed under this Contract
• Oversee training of staff to ensure all Contract requirements are properly performed
• Oversee the ongoing development and implementation of Infield Test Sectors and Highway-Speed Oval operations
• Provide updates, reports and cost summaries to the shareholders monthly and at any other time as may be requested
• Lead the Proving Ground´s Strategic Development and the deployment of engineering, simulation and testing services.

(Note: These tasks are not intended to be all-inclusive. You may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the company)

Qualifications

• Bachelor´s/Masters degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
• Fluent in English.
• Experience working in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience in strategic planning, business development, and project management for large-scale facilities or government contracts.
• Experience working with state DOTs, federal agencies, or transportation research institutions is highly desirable.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, and complex projects.
• Ability to develop and oversee marketing, business, and utilization plans for a testing facility.
• Financial acumen with experience in budget planning, cost management, and performance metrics tracking.
• Strong ability to liaise with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and academic institutions.
• Experience in stakeholder reporting, contract compliance, and risk management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presentations, reports, and high-level negotiations.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel for conferences, stakeholder meetings, and industry collaborations both at and international level.
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in a similar position.
• Open to work in a very international company with multicultural teams.
• Good technical knowledge of the vehicle’s functions and attributes.
• Must be able to reliably commute to Auburndale, FL.

APPLUS IDIADA is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (100% Premium costs paid by Company)
• Voluntary Dental insurance
• Voluntary Life insurance
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• Paid time off
• 401K Plan (4% Company Match)

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Applus IDIADA is committed to equality,  diversity and inclusion. We don’t put limits on you, so don’t put limits on yourself either. There is a place for everyone.