AIML Data Operations, Senior Vendor Manager

Job description

Behind every groundbreaking AI innovation at Apple is a foundation of high-quality annotated data—and behind that foundation are the vendor partnerships and production operations that make it possible at scale. We're looking for a Senior Manager to own the end-to-end vendor lifecycle, from sourcing and contracting through quality, delivery, and compliance, while leading the team that serves as the critical link between Apple's annotation needs and our external vendor workforce. You will develop your team's capabilities in vendor management, production operations, and quality oversight while establishing the frameworks and processes that enable consistent, scalable execution. Imagine leading the team that keeps Apple's AI data engine running, ensuring our machine learning models are trained with the highest quality data produced by a global workforce operating at peak efficiency. Minimum Qualifications: 10+ years of experience managing and developing teams in operational or vendor-facing roles 5+ years of experience in program/project management, production operations, or vendor management in data operations or related fields BS degree required Strong understanding of production operations including capacity planning, quality assurance frameworks, and delivery management Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent programs with competing priorities in a fast-paced environment Self-motivated and proactive leader who thrives in ambiguous environments and is able to establish diligent processes for global teams Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and rapidly shifting priorities, crafting creative, pragmatic near-term vendor support solutions that keep programs on track while maintaining focus on longer-term vendor strategy and scalable operational goals Experience leading a dispersed global team Preferred Qualifications: Annotation operations, data operations, or crowd-sourcing programs at scale Vendor/supplier management including performance management and relationship development Budget management and financial forecasting for vendor-delivered work Data quality issue tracking and resolution (impact analysis, root cause analysis, data analysis) Background managing geographically distributed teams or vendor workforces Understanding of machine learning concepts, data annotation methodologies, and quality assurance processes Advanced degree in a relevant field