Sr Manager ML Data Operations, Apple Services Engineering
At Apple, we don't just build products - we build experiences fueled by world-class data. The Human-centered AI team within Apple Services Engineering is looking for a Senior Operations Leader to spearhead complex, multi-stakeholder operations supporting data collection, curation, annotation, and human evaluation efforts across Apple Music, App Store, TV+, Podcasts, and Books.
Description
In this role, you'll own the operational strategy and day-to-day execution for large-scale, multilingual data pipelines, working at the intersection of engineering, privacy, legal, and vendor management. You will drive cross-functional alignment, set clear goals and SLAs, and implement best-in-class processes to deliver high-quality, responsible AI data at scale.
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","responsibilities":"Define and execute operational strategies for sourcing, annotating, curating, and evaluating high-quality datasets across Apple media domains.
Lead global day-to-day operations across multiple programs - including people, process, tooling, quality, and risk management.
Own relationships with external vendors and internal partners (legal, procurement, privacy, security), ensuring alignment on contracts, compliance, and deliverables.
Set and track KPIs/OKRs for throughput, SLA, cost, and quality; proactively flag risks and drive course correction.
Develop scalable workflows, QA frameworks, SOPs, and vendor onboarding playbooks for operations enablement.
Partner with ML Engineers and data science teams to deliver production-ready datasets for training, evaluation, and model improvement.
Influence tooling and platform strategy to support automation, visibility, and workflow optimization.
Champion responsible AI practices and data governance throughout the annotation lifecycle.
Mentor operations team members and contribute to team growth and culture.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with human-in-the-loop evaluation, data quality frameworks, and annotation tooling platforms.
Understanding of privacy, security, and compliance considerations in data sourcing and annotation workflows.
Experience with Apple media products or deep interest in music, entertainment, or digital content services.
Experience scaling operations across international vendors and multilingual projects.
Minimum Qualifications
7+ years of experience in data operations, program management, or vendor strategy, with at least 3+ years in a managerial role.
Proven track record leading large-scale, high-throughput data annotation/evaluation programs in AI/ML or media domains.
Proven experience in vendor management: contract negotiations, performance tracking, and conflict resolution.
Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management across engineering, legal, procurement, and product teams.
Experience using dashboards, metrics, and reporting tools to drive operational excellence.
Comfortable working across ambiguous, fast-paced environments with changing priorities and requirements.
BS or MS degree in engineering, science or computer science or equivalent
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 .
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion
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