At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-million-pound projects and optimise operations in a fast-paced AI environment.
- Company: Join Mercor, a pioneering startup transforming the AI economy with human intelligence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, equity, gym membership, and wellness reimbursements.
- Other info: Fast growth opportunities with potential to advance to Senior Project Lead roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI while developing your career in a dynamic, high-energy setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in consulting or startups, strong analytical skills, and client-facing abilities.
The predicted salary is between 72500 - 166000 € per year.
About Mercor
Mercor's mission is to organize human intelligence to power the AI economy. We partner with leading AI labs and enterprises to provide the human intelligence essential to AI development. Our vast talent network trains frontier AI models in the same way teachers teach students: by sharing knowledge, experience, and context that can't be captured in code alone. Today, more than 30,000 experts in our network collectively earn over $2 million a day.
About the Role
Silicon Valley’s leading AI companies partner with Mercor to scale high-quality data operations. As an SPL, you will:
- Drive the tactical execution of multi-million-dollar projects.
- Build deep client relationships with researchers at top AI labs.
- Orchestrate the work of 1,000+ contributors.
- Ensure flawless operational execution under demanding timelines.
This is a hands-on operations role for candidates excited by process optimization, rapid iteration, and high-intensity problem solving. We’re an early-stage startup that operates with intensity. That means occasionally being responsive on weekends and always holding a high bar for output. The upside — performance incentives, career trajectory, and meaningful equity — reflects that.
Core Responsibilities
- Operational Excellence: Design and manage end-to-end data pipelines, from customer specifications to final delivery. Diagnose bottlenecks, restructure workflows, and implement solutions that improve quality, throughput, and cost-efficiency. Examples include creating incentive systems, re-sequencing workflows, refining instructions, and scaling review processes.
- Customer Relationships: Act as the primary point of contact for leading AI labs. Deliver clear, consistent reporting and proactively anticipate client needs. Build long-term trust and identify opportunities for expansion.
- Large-Scale Coordination: Manage 1,000+ distributed contributors in Slack-based workspaces. Source, vet, train, and performance-manage domain experts. Maintain high execution standards across all stages of production.
- Quality Reporting: Run daily internal syncs ('war rooms') to stay ahead of issues. Provide regular, transparent progress updates to customers.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience: Background in consulting, finance, startups, or other operationally intense environments.
- Skills: Strong analytical and communication abilities; proven track record of managing complex projects.
- Customer-Facing Experience: Comfortable working directly with high-profile clients.
- Mindset: Excited by 'gritty' process optimization and large-scale execution.
Key Facts
- SPLs generate £10M+ in project revenue annually.
- Work schedule: Monday–Saturday (in-office Mon–Fri).
- Customer requests are high-pressure and time-sensitive (e.g., onboarding 1,000 contributors in 3 days, delivering 10+ hours of quality data per contributor within 48 hours).
- The role is explicitly operations-focused—not strategy, product, or GTM.
Growth Path
SPLs begin as individual contributors, running projects end-to-end. High performers may advance to Senior SPL (SSPL) roles, managing multiple projects and teams of SPLs.
Compensation
- Base cash comp from £72.5K to £99K for SPL, £124k – £166k for SSPL.
- Aggressive bi-annual performance bonus structure.
- Generous equity grant vested over 4 years.
- £8K proximity bonus (if you live within 0.5 miles of our office).
- £1.2K monthly stipend for meals.
- Free Gym membership.
- £160 monthly laundry reimbursement.
- £160 monthly personal wellness reimbursement.
- Private medical, dental insurance.
- Income protection, group life assurance, and critical illness cover.
- Pension with company match.
We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Compensation Range: £72.5K - £166K
Strategic Project Lead (UK) employer: Mercor
Mercor is an exceptional employer for those seeking to thrive in the fast-paced world of AI development. With a strong focus on operational excellence and a culture that values grit and innovation, employees benefit from generous compensation packages, including performance bonuses and equity opportunities. The collaborative environment fosters personal growth, allowing Strategic Project Leads to advance their careers while making a significant impact in the AI economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Project Lead (UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the AI and project management space on LinkedIn or at industry events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past projects, especially those involving complex operations or client management. This will help you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly, express your interest, and share how you can add value. We love seeing enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to power the AI economy.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Project Lead (UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Project Lead role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and your ability to build strong client relationships, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We want to see your analytical prowess! Include examples of how you've diagnosed bottlenecks or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the operational excellence we value at Mercor.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, especially since you'll be working with high-profile clients.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercor
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you optimised processes, and the outcomes of your efforts. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Skills
Since this role involves building relationships with high-profile clients, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client expectations in the past. Think about times when you anticipated client needs or turned a challenging situation into a positive outcome. This will highlight your customer-facing experience.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and process optimisation. Prepare to share specific instances where you diagnosed bottlenecks and implemented effective solutions. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and your excitement for gritty operational work.
✨Prepare for High-Pressure Scenarios
Given the demanding nature of the role, think of examples where you thrived under pressure. Whether it’s managing tight deadlines or coordinating large teams, be prepared to explain how you maintained high execution standards while delivering results. This will reassure them that you can handle the intensity of the job.
