AI Operations Lead, Original Content Operations

AI Operations Lead, Original Content Operations

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Join a highly-energized environment with talented creative and operational minds within Apple's Original Content Operations team. We are seeking a visionary and hands-on AI Operations Lead to spearhead the strategic integration and operationalization of Artificial Intelligence. This role is crucial for transforming how our teams work, driving significant efficiency gains by leveraging AI to scale our existing strengths and proven operational methods, and fostering innovation across Original Content Operations.

You will be the catalyst for change, constantly identifying repetitive tasks and building intelligent, AI-powered workflows to empower our teams. This involves the strategic ability to think big, envisioning large-scale AI transformation, while pragmatically breaking down complex workflows into manageable, automatable components. Beyond technical implementation, a critical aspect of this role is driving behavioral adoption, ensuring that the solutions we build are embraced and utilized.

You will operate outside the day-to-day execution, singularly focused on making our content operations more efficient through the strategic application of AI. This role will bridge the gap between operational needs and technical capabilities, fostering close collaboration with internal engineering and systems teams to scale AI innovations within Apple s robust technology environment. This role requires a deep passion for AI, a "tinkering" mindset, and a strong process orientation.

We are looking for an "AI native" – someone who lives and breathes the latest in AI and is eager to apply that knowledge to revolutionize our operations.

• AI Strategy & Implementation:
  Develop and execute a comprehensive AI strategy aligned with Apple's technology roadmap. Identify high-impact areas for AI adoption, prioritize initiatives, and oversee the implementation of AI-powered solutions across Original Content Operations.
• Workflow Automation & Optimization:
  Proactively identify operational inefficiencies and manual processes. Design, build, and implement AI-powered prompts, workflows, and tools to automate tasks, optimize workflows, and scale existing strengths, creating 'unlimited time offers' that maximize team efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Partnership:
  Partner closely with internal engineering, operations, and vendor teams to integrate AI capabilities into existing platforms, transition successful prototypes into scalable enterprise solutions, and ensure alignment with technology infrastructure and development cycles.
• Responsible AI & Governance:
  Establish and ensure adherence to best practices for responsible AI deployment, including data privacy, ethical considerations, and compliance with Apple s internal policies and guidelines.
• Vendor Optimization & Integration:
  Optimize strategic engagement with our extensive vendor ecosystem, evaluating "build vs. buy" decisions for AI solutions and partnering with procurement to ensure effective vendor integration and performance within Apple s technical and security frameworks.
• AI Training & Change Management:
  Develop and implement training programs and resources to empower team members to effectively utilize AI tools and workflows, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development. Collaborate with team leads to document processes and create actionable playbooks for AI model training.
• Performance Measurement & Optimization:
  Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of AI solutions. Establish a framework for rapid experimentation and iterative development, actively soliciting and incorporating user feedback to refine AI models and improve performance.
• Long-term AIML Strategy:
  Contribute to the development of a broader AIML strategy for the original content operations lifecycle, encompassing end-to-end media operations, global localization & accessibility, scalable platform distribution, and operational excellence in systems and data workflows, in collaboration with relevant technology and operations stakeholders.

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in operations management, process optimization, or a related field. This includes a minimum of 3-5 years specifically applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to drive operational transformation.
• We value candidates who are  AI native  and possess deep, hands-on expertise in AI/ML. For such exceptional candidates demonstrating strong operational acumen, we may consider a slightly shorter overall operations tenure.
• Deep, hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI/ML tools and concepts, including practical application of large language models (LLMs) like Gemini and Anthropic, with a strong emphasis on clear and effective communication techniques to elicit desired outputs from AI models.
• Proven ability to identify…