AIML Data Operations - Annotations Team Manager

Summary

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 an AIML Data Operations - Annotations Team Manager, 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.

Description

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 an AIML Data Operations - Annotations Team Manager, 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 budget allocation, financial forecasting, and resource planning for annotation operations
• Prepare executive reports that clearly communicate program status, strategic initiatives, and risks to senior leadership
• Foster a collaborative culture where your team tackles problems proactively and gains the trust and confidence of teams across Apple

Minimum Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience managing complex, cross-functional programs across global teams, with a proven track record of delivering results at scale
• 4+ years of experience managing and developing high-performing teams, including coaching managers or senior individual contributors
• Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction while remaining hands-on with operational details when needed
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership
• Exceptional ability to understand and consolidate multiple points of view into influential recommendations that move initiatives forward
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels
• A relentless focus on delivering results and exceeding expectations, with a track record of driving ownership and accountability across teams
• Strategic problem-solver with a passion for continuous improvement and a proven ability to identify and resolve bottlenecks before they impact delivery
• Self-motivated and proactive leader who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and empowers teams to do the same
• Experience driving process improvements across operations, quality, and vendor management
• Strong decision-making abilities and sound judgment in high-pressure situations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing annotation operations or data operations teams at scale
• Deep understanding of data annotation tools, workflows, and quality assurance processes
• Strong understanding of machine learning concepts, methodologies, and data requirements
• Experience with budget management, financial forecasting, and vendor management
• Background working with sensitive content including safety and responsible AI initiatives
• BS degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or similar technical field preferred

Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $176,600 and $313,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

Key skills/competency

• Data Annotation
• Team Leadership
• Program Management
• Strategic Planning
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Operational Excellence
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Process Improvement
• Stakeholder Management