AIML Data Operations - Annotations Team Manager

AIML Data Operations - Annotations Team Manager

Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, great ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly! Behind every groundbreaking AI innovation at Apple is a foundation of high‑quality annotated data—and behind that foundation is exceptional leadership. We're looking for a Manager of Annotation Operations to lead a team of program managers who play a critical role in ensuring the quality and efficiency of this vital process.

You will set strategic direction for how your team engages with customers across Apple's ecosystem, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality annotated data that enables AI advancements across the company. You will be responsible for developing your team's capabilities, establishing scalable processes and frameworks, and ensuring follow‑through on all program commitments from cross‑functional operations and engineering teams. You will proactively identify opportunities and risks across your portfolio, seeing around corners to position your team for success.

Imagine being at the heart of Apple's AI revolution, leading the team that ensures our machine learning models are trained with the highest quality data. As a Manager in Annotation Operations, you'll build and guide the vital link between our innovative teams and the data they need to create the next generation of Apple products and features.

Are you passionate about building high‑performing teams at the intersection of technology and human understanding? Do you thrive in collaborative environments where your leadership, communication skills, and technical expertise can make a real difference? As a Manager in Annotation Operations, you'll be at the core of our AIML development process, leading a team of program managers who collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define annotation requirements, manage operational projects from prototype to scale, and ensure customer satisfaction.

You will set the strategic vision for how your team operates while remaining hands‑on when complex challenges require your direct involvement. You will proactively anticipate issues, remove blockers for your team, and establish the frameworks and best practices that enable consistent excellence. You will coach your team through difficult situations, develop their skills in stakeholder management and technical problem‑solving, and create a culture of ownership and accountability.

Your work will directly contribute to the success of the next generation of Apple products and features. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of annotation operations at Apple, building scalable processes and developing talent in the rapidly evolving field of AIML, while working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of annotation program managers, fostering their growth and ensuring they deliver exceptional results
• Set strategic direction for annotation operations, establishing frameworks, processes, and best practices that scale across the organization
• Be hands‑on when needed, diving into complex programs to remove blockers and provide guidance while empowering your team to own their work
• Proactively identify risks and opportunities across your team's portfolio, seeing around corners to prevent issues before they arise
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across engineering, operations, and business teams
• Ensure your team effectively bridges the gap between engineering teams and operations experts, translating complex needs into actionable plans and ensuring seamless execution
• Drive operational excellence across annotation programs, from prototyping to scaling across global teams, ensuring follow‑through and accountability
• Partner with training, quality, data analytics, and capacity planning teams to design scalable solutions for current and future annotation requirements
• Establish and monitor key performance metrics, driving continuous improvement in quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
• Manage…