Delivery Director - AI

About Toloka AI

At Toloka AI, we are at the forefront of creating data that powers some of the best Generative AI models. We collaborate with Big Tech companies, renowned AI startups, large enterprises, and non-profit research organizations worldwide. Our unique approach combines human expertise, a global crowd, and a cutting-edge tech platform to teach AI models to reason effectively.

We boast experts in over 20 diverse domains, ranging from medical professionals and legal experts to physicists and engineers. Our global crowd is incredibly diverse, spanning 100 countries and speaking 40 languages. We are a startup backed by strong financial support and an impressive client portfolio. Our team of 200 talented individuals operates on a remote-first basis, globally distributed across the USA, UK, the Netherlands, Israel, Czech Republic, Serbia, and more. We also maintain physical offices in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Belgrade, Serbia.

Role Description: Delivery Director - AI

We are searching for an exceptional Delivery Director - AI to spearhead and scale the execution of complex AI data projects. This role involves managing a significant client portfolio or service vertical, with a strong emphasis on operational excellence and flawless project delivery. You will work in close partnership with our Business Development team to drive revenue growth by ensuring outstanding client outcomes.

You will be responsible for the execution excellence across a substantial portfolio of projects, ensuring every delivery consistently surpasses client expectations regarding quality, while meticulously adhering to timelines and gross margin targets. As the execution backbone, you will directly collaborate with client researchers, vendor managers, science teams, and product teams, translating business development successes into tangible, delivered value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Executing complex project portfolios from initial scoping through final delivery, ensuring timely, high-quality outcomes that enhance client satisfaction and retention.
• Managing and optimizing gross margin targets across your project portfolio through efficient delivery and strategic resource allocation.
• Partnering closely with the Business Development team to scope new opportunities, structure compelling project proposals, and successfully convert prospects into completed deliveries.
• Directing delivery teams and project managers, providing hands-on project management support when required.
• Driving continuous improvement in delivery processes and innovating new approaches to elevate execution quality.
• Managing client relationships throughout project execution, ensuring clear communication and proactively addressing any delivery challenges.

This role demands exceptional operational leadership combined with the ability to manage intricate technical stakeholder relationships. You will oversee multiple concurrent projects while upholding the high execution standards that are vital for our revenue growth.

You will collaborate closely with client data scientists, ML engineers, researchers, and executives who are pushing the boundaries of Generative AI. You will thrive in our dynamic scale-up environment alongside a team comprised of professionals from leading companies such as Google, McKinsey, QuantumBlack, and Bain.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Consulting toolkit: 2+ years of experience in top-tier consulting firms, reaching levels such as Junior Engagement Manager, Engagement Manager, or Associate Partner.
• Industry experience: Proven background working in tech, startups, or as a founder.
• Background in STEM: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Deep understanding of AI and GenAI: Strong grasp of AI technology and market trends, coupled with basic knowledge of statistics, Machine Learning, and data science.

Key skills/competency

• Project Management
• Client Relationship Management
• Operational Excellence
• Team Leadership
• Generative AI
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Consulting
• Strategic Planning
• Process Improvement