Head of AI Data Service Operations

Responsibilities

About the Team
The AI Data Service and Operations (ADSO) team provides safety and non-safety data annotation services, search operation services, and customer services for TikTok's international products, helping them to build their own data ecological security.

The Role
As the Head of AI Data Service and Operations (ADSO), responsible for defining the global direction of AI data service and operations and turning that strategy into reliable execution. You will lead the evolution of data operations from traditional production models towards AI-assisted, LLM-enabled delivery at scale. The role requires end-to-end ownership across strategy, operating model design, quality management, performance improvement, automation adoption, and global partner management.

What will I do?
- Set global strategy: Define and lead the global strategy for AI Data Service and Operations, ensuring alignment with TikTok's AI, product, and Trust & Safety priorities.
- Drive operating model transformation: Lead the transition of data operations towards AI-assisted and large language model-driven production models that support greater scale and efficiency.
- Build scalable quality systems: Establish operating models, governance mechanisms, and quality frameworks that enable the consistent delivery of high-quality AI training data across global operations.
- Lead complex global programmes: Oversee large, multi-region programmes spanning multiple languages and content domains, balancing delivery requirements, operational complexity, and business priorities.
- Use data to improve performance: Drive operational efficiency through data-led decision-making, performance analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Accelerate automation and tooling adoption: Partner with engineering and tooling teams to optimise workflows, reduce manual dependency across the data production lifecycle, and improve operational scalability.
- Manage the partner ecosystem: Lead and optimise a global network of BPO providers and external partners to support large-scale AI data production.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification(s):
- At least 5 years of people management experience, including managing multi-layered or distributed teams.
- At least 5 years of operating in a similar leadership capacity within a fast-paced technology or data operations environment.
- Strong strategic judgement combined with hands-on operational capability, with the ability to move effectively between executive planning and tactical problem-solving.
- Advanced experience in large-scale data operations, AI or machine learning data services, AI product operations, or closely related fields.
- Deep understanding of the full AI and machine learning data lifecycle, including annotation, training, evaluation, quality control, and optimisation, with a proven track record of building and scaling teams in high-growth technology environments.
- Regional operational experience across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas, with a strong understanding of the challenges involved in multicultural and multilingual delivery environments.

Preferred Qualification(s):
- Experience leading automation, workflow redesign, or digital transformation programmes in AI data operations or other scaled operational environments.