Head of Operations, DataLab

Protege; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in operations, consulting, or strategy in high-growth environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operations for the Data Lab, including planning and delivery.
• Design scalable processes for data initiatives from concept to launch.
• Partner with Data, Product, and Engineering to identify bottlenecks and improve workflows and tooling.
• Establish operating rhythms, metrics, and dashboards to track progress and impact.
• Translate strategic objectives into roadmaps with clear timelines and accountability.
• Prepare concise updates for executives and stakeholders on priorities and outcomes.
• Act as a hands-on problem solver to support Data Lab scaling.

Skills

Strategic operations

Program management

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Communication

Ambiguity navigation

Tools

SQL

Low-code platforms

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' TestWe act with integrity and do the right thing — especially when it's hard and no one is watching.
• Always Find a WayWe are resourceful, resilient builders who solve hard problems and push through obstacles.
• Go Fast and Grow FastVelocity matters. We move with urgency, learn quickly, and continuously improve as individuals and as a company.
• Practice Kindness and CandorWe communicate directly and respectfully, building trust through honest feedback and genuine care for one another.
• Deliver TogetherWe win as one team. Collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership drive our success.
• Own the Outcome. Hone the CraftWe take pride in our work, sweat the details, and continuously raise the bar for excellence.