Human Data Operations Strategist

What you'll do

• Oversee data annotation projects, translating complex AI and machine learning requirements into clear workflows and instructions for data annotation teams
• Ensure the highest standards of data quality by designing and refining annotation processes, auditing results, and implementing feedback loops
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them design and implement the best data annotation workflow for their human annotation process
• Provide guidance and feedback to the annotation team, ensuring team members are equipped with the context and skills needed to perform high-quality work aligned with project requirements and best practices
• Work closely with product and engineering teams to drive improvements in AI training data processes, tools, and methodologies

Who we're looking for

A sharp, execution-oriented operator with a consulting or AI company pedigree — you bring structured thinking, strong project management instincts, and a bias for getting things done
Analytically rigorous and comfortable with ambiguity — you break down complex operational challenges from first principles and build clear, actionable plans to solve them
Technically fluent enough to get hands-on with data — whether that's querying a database, auditing annotation outputs, or automating a workflow in Python
Passionate about AI and machine learning, with genuine curiosity about how data quality and operations underpin model performance
A natural communicator who can translate fluidly between ML engineers and non-technical clients, keeping complex multi-stakeholder projects on track
Entrepreneurial and collaborative — you thrive in fast-paced environments and take ownership without waiting to be told what to do

Experience requirements

3–7 years of professional experience, with a strong preference for backgrounds in top-tier strategy consulting and/or operations or data roles at leading AI or technology companies
Proven ability to own complex, multi-stakeholder workflows end-to-end — from scoping and planning through execution, quality assurance, and iteration
Working proficiency in Python or SQL, with the ability to query data, automate workflows, or audit annotation outputs; broader familiarity with relational databases or data annotation tooling equally valued
Experience designing or optimising data operations processes with a strong eye for quality, consistency, and scalability — ideally in a context involving human-in-the-loop workflows or structured labelling tasks
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with both technical stakeholders (ML engineers, data scientists) and non-technical clients, translating requirements clearly in both directions
Bonus: hands-on experience with computer vision, generative AI, or multimodal data workflows; prior exposure to data annotation platforms or quality management frameworks; experience coaching or managing operational teams

Why Encord

Competitive salary, commission, and meaningful equity in a high-growth start-up
Clear, accelerated growth opportunities as the company scales rapidly
Strong in-person culture: 3–5 days/week in our newly launched North Beach loft office
Flexible PTO to fully recharge
18 paid vacation days in the U.S. plus federal holidays
Annual learning & development budget
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
Frequent travel opportunities across the U.S., London, and Europe
Bi-annual company offsites, twice-weekly team lunches, and monthly socials