Strategic Projects Lead, AI Data Operations

Spectrum Search is partnered with an early-stage artificial intelligence company developing data infrastructure for advanced AI and machine learning systems. The company is seeking a Strategic Projects Lead to take ownership of complex customer engagements, working directly with AI researchers, engineers and specialist contributors to deliver high-quality technical datasets.

About the opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a well-backed AI technology company at an early stage, with direct exposure to technical research teams and meaningful ownership of customer delivery.

The role sits at the intersection of strategy, operations, technical programme management and AI data. It offers the opportunity to influence how complex research requirements are translated into reliable, scalable delivery processes.

The role

As Strategic Projects Lead, you will manage multiple customer projects from initial scoping through to successful delivery.

You will work closely with researchers to understand technical objectives, coordinate specialist contributors and collaborate with engineering teams to improve the systems supporting delivery.

The position requires strong commercial judgement, operational discipline and the ability to navigate technical ambiguity. You will be accountable for delivery quality, stakeholder alignment and execution across multiple workstreams.

Key responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery of complex AI data projects, ensuring agreed milestones, quality standards and customer expectations are met.
• Translate ambiguous research objectives into structured project plans, measurable deliverables and clear execution priorities.
• Source, onboard and coordinate specialist contributors responsible for producing technical datasets and reinforcement learning environments.
• Work directly with AI researchers to understand evolving requirements and manage changes to project scope and priorities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to improve internal tooling, operational workflows and delivery processes.
• Review technical outputs, including reinforcement learning trajectories, verifiers and model evaluations, to maintain delivery quality.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, identifying delivery risks and resolving operational challenges.
• Build effective working relationships across research, engineering and external contributor teams.

Essential requirements

• Demonstrable experience delivering complex, deadline-sensitive projects within AI data operations, technology, strategy consulting, investment banking or a comparable operational environment.
• Proven ability to manage projects independently, from initial requirements through to final delivery.
• Practical exposure to AI data workflows, particularly reinforcement learning (RL), trajectories, verifiers or model evaluations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to structure ambiguous problems and make sound decisions.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional stakeholders and delivering outcomes without relying on formal reporting authority.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Genuine interest in AI infrastructure, machine learning and the operational challenges involved in supporting advanced AI research.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience as a Strategic Projects Lead, Deployment Strategist or Delivery Lead within an AI data or technology company.
• Familiarity with reinforcement learning environments, model post-training and evaluation datasets.
• Experience working directly with AI research teams or technical customers.
• Exposure to hands-on technical tooling, scripting or AI-assisted coding workflows.
• Experience building or improving operational processes within an early-stage technology business.

Location and remote setup

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in New York City or Seattle.

Candidates must be able to work from the office at least three days per week. Relocation may be considered for suitable candidates.

Visa sponsorship and eligible visa transfers may be supported.