Position Overview
The Director, Proving Grounds & Test Operations, is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance of the company's primary proving grounds and satellite test facilities supporting the verification and validation of commercial vehicle products. This role oversees all facility operations, testing infrastructure, fleet management, safety, regulatory compliance, staffing, and capital planning to ensure world-class support for product development, certification, and vehicle validation activities.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Facility Management
WHAT YOU'LL LEAD
A world-class proving ground and four satellite test facilities supporting next-generation vehicle development.
Strategic investments in testing capabilities, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
A culture of safety, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
WHAT YOU'LL CHAMPION
A best-in-class safety culture across one of the industry's most advanced testing environments.
Quality systems and test capabilities supporting certification, durability, powertrain, and advanced technology validation.
Future-ready operations supporting electrification, autonomy, connectivity, and evolving regulatory requirements.
KEY TESTING CAPABILITIES
EPA, FMVSS, and CMVSS compliance testing | Durability, vehicle dynamics, and powertrain validation | Electrification, energy management, and emerging technology testing
Financial & Capital Leadership
WHAT YOU'LL OWN
Operating and capital strategy across a premier vehicle validation network.
Investments that expand capabilities, accelerate innovation, and improve performance.
Long-term infrastructure and technology roadmaps supporting future vehicle programs.
Customer & Test Operations
WHAT YOU'LL INFLUENCE
The testing experience for engineering teams and external customers.
Capacity planning, resource allocation, and operational readiness across multiple sites.
Faster product development through world-class execution and customer-focused service.
Fleet Operations & Logistics
WHAT YOU'LL INFLUENCE
A fleet of approximately 350 test vehicles supporting critical development and validation programs.
Fleet strategy, logistics , maintenance, and lifecycle planning across a multi-site network.
Continuous improvement in availability, reliability, utilization , and cost performance.
Driver Operations & Workforce Planning
WHAT YOU'LL DELIVER
A high-performing driver operations organization supporting year-round testing activities.
Workforce strategies that ensure the right talent, capacity, and expertise are in place.
Operational readiness across key testing locations throughout North America.
Talent & Organizational Leadership
WHAT YOU'LL BUILD
High-performing teams ready to support today's testing needs and tomorrow's technologies.
A culture of accountability, inclusion, learning, and leadership development.
Organizational capability through succession planning, mentoring, and talent growth.
Community & External Relations
WHAT YOU'LL INFLUENCE
The reputation of one of the industry's premier validation and testing organizations .
Strategic partnerships with community leaders, economic development organizations, and regulatory stakeholders.
Community engagement that strengthens trust, visibility, and long-term growth.
Government & Property Strategy
WHAT YOU'LL DRIVE
Partnerships with municipalities, government agencies, and regulatory stakeholders that enable future growth.
Real estate, facility, and infrastructure strategies supporting expansion and operational capability.
Site acquisition, development, and investment decisions across a growing testing network.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree and at least 11 years of operations management experience
At least 6 years of management experience
OR
Master's degree and at least 9 years of operations management experience
At least 6 years of management experience
OR
At least 14 years of operations management experience
At least 6 years of management experience
Additional Requirements
Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)
Benefits and Compensation
This position offers competitive market-based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting https://careers.international.com/#benefits.The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.
Salary Minimum: USD $191,200.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum: USD $286,800.00/Yr.
Company Overview
About TRATONWith its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP (https://traton.com/) and one of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group's product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. "Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.": this intention underlines the Company's ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group's commercial growth.
About InternationalFrom a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.
*International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.
EEO Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.
