Senior Vendor Manager

Centific

$110K — $120K *
US-AnywhereRemote in United States
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8-12+ years of experience in operations, logistics, or program management
  • 3-5+ years of experience managing teams
  • Proven experience managing complex, multi-site operational programs
  • Strong knowledge of logistics and supply chain operations
  • Experience working with technical equipment or lab environments

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end operational delivery for data collection logistics
  • Develop scalable frameworks for global data collection programs
  • Drive continuous improvement across workflows and tools
  • Oversee global logistics strategy for equipment management
  • Lead strategy for sourcing and securing environments for data collection
  • Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts
  • Ensure adherence to data security and compliance standards

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work at the forefront of AI technology
  • Collaborate with a diverse team of experts including PhDs and AI practitioners
  • Involvement in innovative global programs
  • Focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement
  • Ability to significantly impact the success of AI deployment strategies
Full Job Description
About Job

About this Job

Centific is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager - Data Collection Operations to lead and scale our end-to-end logistics, equipment, and location operations supporting global AI data collection programs. This role will oversee a team of Project Coordinators responsible for equipment logistics, lab operations, and location sourcing, ensuring seamless execution of complex, multi-site data collection initiatives.

This leader will play a critical role in enabling Centific's Physical AI Lab strategy and real-world data capture programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with security and operational standards.

Job Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Strategy
• Own end-to-end operational delivery for data collection logistics, equipment management, and site enablement
• Develop scalable frameworks to support global, multi-site data collection programs
• Partner with Delivery, Solutions, and Client teams to align operations with client requirements and timelines
• Drive continuous improvement across workflows, tools, and vendor ecosystems

2. Equipment & Logistics Management Oversight
• Oversee global logistics strategy for prototype devices, cameras, sensors, and lab equipment
• Ensure standardized processes for:

o Inventory tracking and asset management

o Domestic and international shipping (including compliance, insurance, and customs)

o Equipment readiness, calibration, and lifecycle management
• Mitigate risks related to high-value and sensitive equipment handling

3. Location Sourcing & Site Operations
• Lead strategy for sourcing and securing residential, commercial, and lab environments for data collection
• Oversee vendor relationships with:

o Real estate brokers, landlords, Airbnb hosts

o Facilities, staging companies, and build-out vendors
• Ensure all locations meet client specifications, safety requirements, and regulatory compliance
• Drive efficiency in site selection, booking, and turnover processes

4. Lab Build-Out & Physical AI Enablement
• Lead planning and execution of lab environments (e.g., homes, retail, medical, warehouse setups)
• Partner with internal and external teams on:

o Space design and layout optimization

o Construction and staging logistics

o Equipment deployment within lab environments
• Support expansion of Centific's Physical AI lab footprint globally

5. Vendor & Budget Management
• Manage vendor ecosystem across logistics, real estate, staging, and facilities
• Negotiate contracts, pricing models, and service-level agreements
• Own and track budgets for:

o Equipment procurement and shipping

o Site rentals and build-outs

o Operational support services
• Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality

6. Risk, Compliance & Security
• Ensure adherence to data security, privacy, and compliance standards across all operations
• Oversee:

o Chain-of-custody protocols

o Insurance and liability coverage

o Site and participant safety measures
• Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks

Education Requirements

(What is the minimum educational requirement for this position?)
• Degree: (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, etc.)
• Field of Study: (e.g., Business, Engineering, etc.)
• Certifications: (Any specific certifications required?)

Basic Qualifications
• 8-12+ years of experience in:

o Operations, logistics, or program management

o Facilities, real estate, or site operations
• 3-5+ years of experience managing teams in fast-paced environments
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-site operational programs
• Strong knowledge of:

o Logistics and supply chain operations

o Vendor and contract management

o Budgeting and financial oversight
• Experience working with technical equipment or lab environments

Desired Skills
• Experience in AI data collection, research studies, or production environments
• Familiarity with global shipping, customs, and compliance requirements
• Experience supporting lab build-outs or physical environment staging
• Background working with enterprise or Big Tech clients

Salary: $110k-$120k

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