Team Lead, Human Data Operations - Vision, Image & Video

Lever, Inc.; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 998,000 - 1,997,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

Equity opportunities may be included

401(k) retirement plan for eligible US

Disability insurance and lifeinsurance

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Lever, Inc. in South Africa seeks a Team Lead, Human Data Operations – Vision, Image & Video to lead a team of AI Tutors responsible for labeling, reviewing, and evaluating visual data across image and video domains.

You will own quality and delivery, establish strong operational standards, and ensure project guidelines are followed. This hands-on leadership role combines people management with direct data review, KPI-driven workflow optimization, and collaboration with data, engineering,

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in data labeling, annotation, AI training or evaluation, or related operational field.
• Experience with data quality metrics and guideline-driven processes.
• Experience leading small teams in data labeling, annotation, or quality assurance.
• Familiarity with AI concepts and role of high-quality training data.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end quality and delivery for assigned human data projects, reviewing output for accuracy and guideline adherence.
• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of AI Tutors with feedback and performance reviews.
• Participate in labeling and review activities to maintain quality standards.
• Manage guideline adherence, taxonomy processes, QA workflows, and certification standards.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvements.
• Track performance with KPIs and dashboards (quality, throughput, send-back rates).
• Develop and deliver training materials and certification benchmarks.
• Collaborate with Human Data Managers, Team Leads, and Engineering on labeling strategies.
• Foster high-performance culture and manage performance issues when needed.
• Document outcomes, risks, and results; propose process improvements.

Skills

Data labeling

Team leadership

Quality assurance

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Notion

Axiom

JIRA

Linear

SQL knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of relevant experience

Tools

Notion

Axiom

JIRA

Linear

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Team Lead, Human Data Operations – Vision, Image & Video based in South Africa.

This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity focused on building high-quality human data for advanced AI systems. You will lead and develop a team of AI Tutors responsible for labeling, reviewing, and evaluating visual data across image and video domains. You will own quality and delivery, establish strong operational standards, and ensure that project guidelines are consistently followed. The role combines people leadership with direct involvement in data review and quality assurance. You will use KPIs and operational insights to identify bottlenecks, improve workflows, and scale efficient processes. Working closely with data, engineering, and operations teams, you will help translate AI model requirements into effective data strategies.

Accountabilities:

• Own end-to-end quality and delivery for assigned human data projects, personally reviewing work to ensure accuracy, consistency, guideline adherence, and high-quality output at scale.
• Lead, coach, and performance-manage a team of AI Tutors through regular feedback, performance reviews, action plans, shadow sessions, and continuous development.
• Actively participate in labeling and review activities to maintain quality standards and demonstrate best practices.
• Manage guideline adherence, taxonomy processes, quality assurance workflows, and certification standards.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements that increase efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Track team and project performance through KPIs and dashboards, including quality metrics, throughput, and send-back rates.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver training materials, practice exercises, and certification benchmarks; oversee certifications and workforce adjustments.
• Partner with Human Data Managers, other Team Leads, and Engineering to translate AI model requirements into clear labeling strategies and operational guidelines.
• Foster a high-performance culture by developing talent, maintaining accountability, and supporting performance or disciplinary processes when required.
• Document project outcomes, risks, and results, recommend process improvements, and provide regular status updates.
• Represent the needs and perspectives of AI Tutors while promoting collaboration across the wider Human Data organization.

Requirements:

• At least 1 year of hands‑on experience in data labeling, annotation, AI training or evaluation, content quality, or a related operational field.
• Bachelor’s degree or at least 4 years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience working with data quality metrics, annotation workflows, and guideline‑driven processes.
• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Notion, Axiom, JIRA, Linear, or equivalent platforms.
• Working knowledge of AI and machine learning concepts, particularly the role of high-quality training data in model performance.
• Demonstrated quality assurance experience in creative, visual, or media‑related projects.
• Experience in a creative discipline such as photography, graphic design, filmmaking, video editing, or visual effects is a strong advantage.
• Previous experience leading small teams in data labeling, annotation, quality assurance, or related operations is preferred.
• Familiarity with prompting and AI‑powered image or video generation tools is a plus.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and perform in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with coaching, performance management, training programs, or certification frameworks is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using metrics and KPIs to drive operational improvements; SQL knowledge is a plus.
• Experience managing distributed or geographically dispersed teams is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust and align stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, proactive problem‑solving abilities, and a continuous‑improvement mindset.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands‑on execution and a passion for developing high‑performing teams.
• Candidates must be based in an eligible location where the organization has a physical presence; remote work may be available depending on location and employment arrangements. Eligible locations include the United States, Dubai, Ireland, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Benefits:

• International candidates receive compensation details during the recruitment process.
• U.S.-based compensation for comparable positions ranges from $104,000 to $156,000 USD, depending on experience, skills, education, location, and qualifications.
• Equity opportunities may be included as part of the overall rewards package.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage may be available to eligible employees.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan for eligible U.S.-based employees.
• Short- and long‑term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Paid sick leave and additional employee discounts and perks, where applicable.
• Benefits and compensation vary according to employment type, location, and local regulations.
• Specific compensation, benefits, and employment details are provided during the recruitment and interview process.