Head of Operations
Protege
Head of Operations
Protege
AI training data marketplace and licensing
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Protege operates as a data marketplace that connects data holders with AI developers to enable secure, compliant exchange of training data for AI model development. Its platform streamlines data procurement by listing diverse and curated datasets, including specialized healthcare data, and facilitating data licensing deals between buyers and data owners. The acquisition of Calliope Networks adds premium video content, expanding into multimodal data to support generative AI models. Revenue likely comes from transaction fees on licensing deals or subscription access for data buyers. The goal is to provide ready access to high-quality, diverse training data while ensuring data security and regulatory compliance, helping AI teams accelerate model development.
Explore more opportunities at Protege