Strategic Project Lead - Code

Role Overview

We are looking for Strategic Project Leads (SPLs) to drive large-scale AI data operations and lead high-impact programs for frontier AI labs.

This is a hands-on, people management + operations leadership role at the intersection of AI, data, and large-scale execution.

You will own end-to-end delivery of complex AI workflows (e.g., RLHF, SFT, model evaluation, benchmarking), manage large distributed teams, and ensure high-quality output under aggressive timelines.

This role is ideal for sharp, high-pedigree operators (Top tier MBA) who thrive in ambiguity, enjoy solving complex problems, and can scale both systems and teams.

What You’ll Do

1. End-to-End Delivery Ownership

• Own execution of large-scale AI data programs (multi-million dollar scope)
• Translate ambiguous client/research requirements into structured workflows
• Drive delivery across RLHF, SFT, coding annotation, and model evaluation pipelines
• Ensure outcomes across quality, speed, and cost

1. Operations & Systems Leadership

• Design and optimize end-to-end data pipelines
• Identify bottlenecks and implement improvements in:
• Throughput
• Quality
• Cost efficiency
• Build scalable systems including:
• Workflow design
• Incentive structures
• Review and QA mechanisms
• Drive continuous iteration and process improvement (“build → test → refine” loops)

1. People & Team Leadership (Core to Role)

• Lead and manage large distributed teams (100s to 1000+ contributors)
• Build and manage pods/team structures
• Drive performance through:
• Clear goal setting
• Quality benchmarks
• Feedback loops
• Hire, train, and mentor high-performing operators
• Act as a force multiplier for team productivity and output

1. Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary interface with AI researchers and enterprise clients
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders
• Provide structured updates, insights, and recommendations
• Anticipate client needs and drive proactive problem solving

1. AI Model Evaluation & Benchmarking

• Work on model benchmarking initiatives (e.g., hill climbing benchmarks)
• Design prompts and evaluates outputs across models (GPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
• Analyze performance gaps and drive improvements
• Contribute to building evaluation frameworks and quality standards

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with R&D / FDL teams (e.g., Anshul’s team) on technical alignment
• Bridge the gap between research and operations
• Translate technical requirements into scalable execution plans

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 4–10 years (MBB/Tier-1), high-growth startups, or strategy & operations/program management/Human Data management roles in high-intensity environments
• Education (Preferred): MBA from top US university or leading global management programs
• Problem Solving & Ownership: Strong first-principles thinking with the ability to break down ambiguous problems and build scalable solutions (0→1, 1→10)
• Operations Excellence: Proven experience managing complex workflows with a focus on throughput, quality, efficiency, and data-driven decision making
• People Leadership: Experience managing teams or pods; ability to drive performance, accountability, and team development
• Tech Literacy: Comfortable working with AI/ML workflows (LLMs, RLHF, evaluation); able to collaborate effectively with technical teams and understand data pipelines
• Communication: Clear, structured communicator with strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills

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What This Role is NOT

• Not a pure software engineering role
• Not a strategy-only or PPT-driven role
• Not a passive program management role

This is a builder + operator role with ownership and intensity

 

Key Expectations

• Operate in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment
• Manage time-sensitive, high-pressure deliverables
• Occasionally work across time zones / off-hours when required
• Maintain a very high bar for quality and execution