Head of Operations, DataLab

Protege; New City (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Protege is seeking a Head of Operations for the DataLab to partner with the CEO and leadership team, aligning priorities, driving execution, and delivering impact across the organization in a fast-moving AI data platform.

This role blends strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership, requiring comfort with ambiguity and a track record of delivering scalable processes, cross-functional coordination, and clear executive communication.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in business operations, consulting, or a strategy/analyst role in a high-growth or fast-paced environment.
• Strong ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Analytical skills with ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and proposing structured solutions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management with technical and commercial teams.
• Adaptable, resourceful, and proactive in taking ownership of outcomes.
• Curious, tenacious, and proactive.
• Bias towards action and scrappy execution.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operations for the Data Lab, including planning, prioritization, and execution across data initiatives.
• Design and implement scalable operational processes (intake, prioritization, resourcing, delivery, and reporting) to support data projects from concept through launch.
• Partner with Data, Product, and Engineering leaders to identify operational bottlenecks and continuously improve workflows, tooling, and decision-making.
• Establish operating rhythms, metrics, and dashboards to track progress, performance, and impact of Data Lab work.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear roadmaps, timelines, and accountability across cross-functional stakeholders.
• Prepare clear, concise updates and materials for executives, partners, and internal stakeholders on Data Lab priorities and outcomes.
• Act as a hands-on problem solver and "operator in residence," stepping into critical gaps as the Data Lab scales.

Job description

Company Overview:

We are building Protege to solve the biggest unmet need in AI - getting access to the right training data. The process today is time intensive, incredibly expensive, and often ends in failure. The Protege platform facilitates the secure, efficient, and privacy-centric exchange of AI training data.

Solving AI's data problem is a generational opportunity. We're backed by world-class investors and already powering partnerships with some of the most ambitious teams in AI. The company that succeeds will be one of the largest in AI - and in tech.

We're a lean, fast-moving, high-trust team of builders who are obsessed with velocity and impact. Our culture is built for people who thrive on ambiguity, own outcomes, and want to shape the future of data and AI.

Role Overview

As Head of Operations, DataLab at Protege, you will be a strategic partner and problem-solver, driving alignment, execution, and impact across the organization. You'll work side-by-side with the CEO and leadership team to ensure our most important priorities move forward, from operational planning and strategic initiatives to executive communications and cross-functional coordination.

This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys switching between strategic thinking and hands-on execution, and can adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment. You'll have broad exposure to the business, making this an ideal position for someone who wants to help shape Protege's future.

Key Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operations for the Data Lab, including planning, prioritization, and execution across data initiatives.




• Design and implement scalable operational processes (intake, prioritization, resourcing, delivery, and reporting) to support data projects from concept through launch.




• Partner with Data, Product, and Engineering leaders to identify operational bottlenecks and continuously improve workflows, tooling, and decision-making.




• Establish operating rhythms, metrics, and dashboards to track progress, performance, and impact of Data Lab work.




• Translate strategic objectives into clear roadmaps, timelines, and accountability across cross-functional stakeholders.




• Prepare clear, concise updates and materials for executives, partners, and internal stakeholders on Data Lab priorities and outcomes.




• Act as a hands-on problem solver and "operator in residence," stepping into critical gaps as the Data Lab scales.

About You

• 8+ years of experience in business operations, consulting, or a strategy/analyst role in a high-growth or fast-paced environment




• You have the proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously




• You have strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights




• You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and proposing structured solutions




• You have strong communication and stakeholder management skills; able to work effectively with both technical and commercial teams




• You are highly adaptable, resourceful, and proactive in taking ownership of outcomes




• You are curious, tenacious, and proactive.




• You are biased towards action and continuously stay scrappy.

• You treat those around you with kindness
  

Bonus if you have these attributes

• Experience in AI or data-driven industries




• Prior exposure to startup or scale-up environments




• Comfort with SQL, analytics tools, or low-code automation platforms




• Experience designing and implementing new business processes or systems




• Background in project management or change management

Protege Values

Pass the Loved Ones' Test

We act with integrity and do the right thing - especially when it's hard and no one is watching.

Always Find a Way

We are resourceful, resilient builders who solve hard problems and push through obstacles.

Go Fast and Grow Fast

Velocity matters. We move with urgency, learn quickly, and continuously improve as individuals and as a company.

Practice Kindness and Candor

We communicate directly and respectfully, building trust through honest feedback and genuine care for one another.

Deliver Together

We win as one team. Collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership drive our success.

Own the Outcome. Hone the Craft.

We take pride in our work, sweat the details, and continuously raise the bar for excellence.