Senior Business Operations Specialist

Apple Services Engineering (ASE) powers many AI and LLM features across App Store, Music, Video and more. At the Human Centered AI (HAI) organization within ASE, we believe that to build exceptional LLMs you need exceptional human beings to train and test them. Humans are essential in providing the best training and evaluation data for these models, and our team operates a large network of humans across the world to provide this high quality data for genAI features.

As a Senior Business Operations Analyst in the organization, you will be responsible for ensuring financial accountability and operational excellence. You will lead budget planning, vendor management, and compliance processes for the team. You will own driving efficiency and governance across procurement, invoicing, and vendor service delivery, ensuring that our operational scaling aligns seamlessly with Apple's uncompromising standards.

Description

The role involves a combination of financial foresight, data-driven analysis, roll-up-your-sleeves operational execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical demeanor, is comfortable navigating financial ambiguity at a high velocity, and can seamlessly bridge the gap between operations, finance, and external partners to make things happen.

","responsibilities":"Drive the annual financial planning cycle by collaborating with AI/ML, Engineering, and Product stakeholders to synthesize data requirements, build robust budget forecasts, and secure leadership approval and funding

Manage quarterly budget replanning and reforecasting based on updated funding availability and ongoing operational spend

Drive end-to-end vendor management, ensuring optimal service delivery, performance tracking, and alignment with Apple's operational standards

Oversee the complete procurement lifecycle, taking ownership of Purchase Requisitions (PRs), Purchase Orders (POs), invoicing, and timely vendor payments

Design, execute, and oversee compliance audits to ensure strict financial accountability and adherence to corporate policies.

Partner cross-functionally with finance, legal, engineering, and data operations teams to streamline business operations in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Establish and enforce governance frameworks to monitor operational spend, identify cost-saving opportunities, and drive overall process efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (e.g. MS in Finance, Business Administration, or related field)

Deep familiarity with corporate governance practices and vendor service delivery frameworks

Excited to solve ambiguous operational and financial problems

A relentless attitude toward process improvement, testing, and iterating on operational workflows

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of experience in business operations, financial planning, and vendor management

Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and procurement processes

Proven track record of conducting compliance audits and enforcing operational rigor

Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally to drive annual budget planning in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Strong communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex financial data to senior leaders

Bachelors degree in Finance, Business Administration or a related field

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 .