Program Manager, Labeling Operations

The Labeling Data Program Org owns the execution and creation of curated labeled datasets which are critical for training and evaluation of ML models that power the Waymo Driver.

As a Program Manager in this team, you will be the operational backbone of our machine learning initiatives. You will own and drive the complex, cross-functional programs that deliver high-quality data—the lifeblood of our models. You will orchestrate the end-to-end data lifecycle, from defining requirements for new datasets and tooling to scaling data pipelines and ensuring our ML teams have the resources they need to innovate. This is a high-impact role for a technical, detail-oriented leader who thrives on turning ambiguous data needs into tangible, scalable solutions.

You will:

• End-to-End Program Ownership: Lead ML dataset creation from initial demand and capacity planning through to operational execution. This includes setting up robust governance frameworks and review structures to ensure all program milestones are met
• Strategic Planning & Resource Management: Manage the full lifecycle of monthly, quarterly, and annual capacity planning. Align resources with product demand while revising organizational and governance structures with vendor partners to meet evolving business needs
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Influence: Act as the primary bridge between engineering partners and label requestors, managing scaled operations through vendor partners. Effectively influence without authority to ensure dataset requirements are fulfilled on time and within budget
• Quality Assurance & Management: Take full ownership of the accuracy and integrity of datasets built for Machine learning model development and evaluation, by implementing and overseeing rigorous quality management processes and metrics. Leverage scalable systems, Gen AI approach, and technology to build repeatable and efficient processes
• Cross-Functional Continuous Improvement: Partner with Engineering, Infra, and Product teams globally to drive vertical and horizontal process, tooling, workflow improvements, ensuring labeling operations scale efficiently

You have:

• A Bachelor's Degree in technical or business discipline with overall 5+ years of work experience managing large-scale and dynamic programs/ projects
• Extensive experience managing Product Operations or successfully executing multiple cycles of product execution programs
• Background in leading and managing complex programs that span across organizations and functions, with specific experience in Machine Learning data annotation or Human-in-the-Loop initiatives
• Proven proficiency in defining projects, executing them within timelines, and the ability to work independently on multiple complex initiatives concurrently
• Strong ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrating comfort and effectiveness when dealing with ambiguity
• Proven collaboration and communications skills working with globally distributed teams and multiple stakeholder

We prefer:

• MBA preferred
• Experience working with fast-paced emerging technologies
• Background in consulting, operations, technology, technical / program management
• Capabilities with analytics tools and languages (SQL/Python)
• Experience with use of Gen AI tools, prompt engineering and agentification of operational workflows