At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global team to optimise data collection operations and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge tech company focused on AI and data-driven solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, remote options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation while shaping a culture of excellence and efficiency.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data operations with a strong background in continuous improvement methodologies.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in dynamic environments and love building efficient systems.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
As the Head of Data Collection Operations based in London, you will lead a globally distributed team responsible for capturing high-quality, high-value training data to support perception, planning, control, and simulation. Your mission is to maximize data throughput and quality per unit of time, cost, and effort, while continuously improving every aspect of the operation.
You will run data collection like a modern manufacturing line: metric-driven, shift-based, deeply optimized, and designed for scale. You’ll define the infrastructure, reporting systems, and cultural norms that make world-class performance measurable, achievable, and repeatable.
What You’ll Do:
Drive Operational Efficiency
- Design and scale a highly productive, shift-based data collection function operating across sites and time zones
- Define and track operational KPIs (e.g. OEE, data per shift, session quality, root cause downtime)
- Build dashboards and reporting systems to provide visibility at all levels—from operators to executives
- Set aggressive but achievable performance targets and drive continuous improvement against them
Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement
- Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), operator work instructions, and daily execution rhythms
- Embed Lean principles and problem-solving tools into the daily workflow (e.g. kaizen, A3, PDCA)
- Empower shift leads and operators to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements
- Ensure root cause analysis and corrective action processes are used to address recurring issues
Partner with Engineering & ML Teams
- Work with engineering teams to understand data requirements and collection goals
- Translate high-level data needs into structured, executable collection plans
- Provide feedback on data quality, edge case capture, and system performance during sessions
- Support software and hardware iteration by ensuring rapid deployment of updated platforms and tooling
Scale Collection Capabilities
- Build the capabilities (people, processes, tools, governance) required to scale from early R&D to production-scale data operations
- Define systems for session planning, task tracking, incident logging, and performance review
- Lead staffing, training, and up-skilling to ensure a high-ownership operator workforce
- Work with legal and security to ensure safe, secure, and compliant data practices
We’re Looking For:
- 10+ years of experience in data operations, manufacturing, test, or technical operations in a high-performance environment
- Proven track record of running metric-driven operations at scale, ideally shift-based or production-like
- Strong background in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPS, or similar)
- Familiarity with robotics, ML data workflows, or autonomous systems is a strong plus
- Clear communicator, structured thinker, and capable leader who thrives in dynamic, technical environments
- Hands-on and systems-oriented—you love to build and optimize the entire end-to-end operation
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-changing environments shaped by rapidly evolving AI technologies, data strategies, and toolchains
Bonus Points:
- Experience building or scaling human-in-the-loop systems or teleoperations
- Skilled with analytics tools and dashboard platforms (e.g. Looker, Grafana, Tableau)
- Background in R&D or applied ML environments with high feedback iteration cycles
- Experience managing distributed or international operations
Head of Data Collection Operations employer: Humanoid
Contact Detail:
Humanoid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Collection Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies, as these are crucial for the role. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to deepen your understanding, which will help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in data operations and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in data collection operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with metric-driven operations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved efficiency and quality in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead a high-performance team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your familiarity with analytics tools and dashboard platforms. If you have experience with tools like Looker or Tableau, be prepared to discuss how you've used them to drive operational insights and improvements in past projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Collection Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data operations, manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your achievements, especially those related to operational efficiency and team leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data collection operations and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention your experience with metric-driven operations and any familiarity with robotics or ML workflows, as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership experience in managing teams, particularly in dynamic environments. Provide examples of how you've empowered teams to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements, which is crucial for this position.
Highlight Continuous Improvement Experience: Detail your experience with continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Include specific examples of how you've applied these principles to drive operational efficiency and quality in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanoid
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Data Collection Operations, you'll be leading a globally distributed team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you motivate teams, and your approach to managing diverse groups across different time zones.
✨Demonstrate Your Operational Expertise
Highlight your experience with metric-driven operations and continuous improvement methodologies. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've implemented Lean principles or similar strategies to enhance operational efficiency in past roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on your knowledge of data workflows, robotics, and machine learning. Expect questions that assess your understanding of these areas and how they relate to data collection operations.
✨Discuss Your Problem-Solving Approach
The role requires a hands-on, systems-oriented mindset. Be prepared to share examples of how you've tackled complex problems in fast-changing environments, including any tools or methodologies you used to achieve successful outcomes.