The roleAs a Human Data Operations Strategist, you will play a critical role in managing and optimising data annotation and machine learning workflows for our clients. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including clients, annotation specialists, and machine learning engineers, to ensure high-quality data is available for AI models.
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
