At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage data plans, vendor relationships, and ensure quality metrics for cutting-edge AI projects.
- Company: Join Odyssey, a pioneering AI lab revolutionising multiple industries with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI development and make a significant impact on future technologies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in program management, strong understanding of AI/ML, and excellent negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Who we are
Odyssey is an AI lab pioneering general‑purpose world models: causal, multimodal systems that learn to predict and interact with the world over long horizons. This foundational technology promises to revolutionise robotics, science, healthcare, education, gaming, defence, and beyond.
What we’re looking for
The Data Program Manager is the connective tissue between research, vendors and the data flywheel. You are responsible for understanding our data needs by being deep in frontier research. You are responsible for presenting a credible data roadmap to the research, applied ML, and leadership and keeping stakeholders abreast of the pipeline and plans. You also own inbound requirements and turn those into a backlog the Data Operations team can execute against. The right person thinks in process, has strong opinions, and can hold both people (internal and external) and plans accountable.
What you’ll do
- Run at data plans with loose requirements from research.
- Turn fuzzy and disparate data requests into scoped, sequenced acquisition plans with quality bars, timelines, and clear data parameters.
- Manage a multitude of vendors across verticals and data types, maintain relationships and negotiate commercials favourable to Odyssey.
- Manage the human teams (experience with contractors a big plus) that acquire proprietary data and establish and ensure quality measures.
- Stand up and own the weekly data‑needs review and forecast.
- Force‑prioritise when necessary and surface the trade‑offs to leadership.
- Embed in research planning.
- Flag data risks four to six weeks ahead of when they would hit a model run.
- Define and track quality and throughput metrics across active data programs.
- Redline and QA batches that slip and close the loop with vendors.
- Partner with researchers on data requirements while also running independently at frontier data mix delivery.
- Drive program retrospectives—what data moved which evals, at what cost, and what we should repeat.
Who you are
- 5+ years of program or product management at a technical company, with at least two of those years in an AI, ML, or data‑intensive context.
- You can read ML papers without flinching; you don’t need to derive the math, but you understand what the research is trying to prove and what data would support it.
- Working knowledge of SQL and basic data analysis. You can pull your own numbers when needed.
- Real experience negotiating with external vendors and pushing costs down.
- You can run a tight standup, keep clean docs, and finish things.
- Comfort saying “no” to a researcher; better at saying “yes, by week six, here’s the plan”.
- Track record of driving cross‑functional programs at velocity in environments where priorities change weekly.
Bonus
- Experience as a TPM or program manager at a frontier AI lab.
- Background working with data labeling, human‑data collection, or RLHF programs at scale.
- Familiarity with AI evaluation methodology or rubric design.
- Prior experience as the first X hire at an early‑stage company.
Data Program Manager employer: Odyssey
At Odyssey, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Data Program Manager, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of AI research, surrounded by passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology. We offer competitive benefits, a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities, and a unique environment where your contributions directly impact groundbreaking advancements in various industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Program Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their mission and how your skills align with their goals. Researching their recent work in AI and data management will give you a leg up!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience fits the role of Data Program Manager. We want to hear about your past successes and how you’ve tackled challenges in data management. Keep it concise but impactful!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Program Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you really understand the role of a Data Program Manager. Dive into the job description and highlight your experience in program management, especially in AI or data-intensive contexts. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage vendors, negotiate contracts, and handle data requests. We love seeing real-world applications of your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—just like we do in our work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Odyssey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Odyssey
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you understand the data landscape relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the types of data Odyssey works with and be ready to discuss how you would approach turning fuzzy data requests into actionable plans. This shows you’re not just a manager, but someone who can dive deep into the technical aspects.
✨Showcase Your Vendor Management Skills
Prepare examples of your experience negotiating with vendors and managing relationships. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve successfully pushed costs down or improved vendor performance. This will demonstrate your ability to manage external partnerships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Process Thinking
Think about how you can articulate your approach to managing data programs. Be prepared to explain how you prioritise tasks, manage timelines, and ensure quality measures are met. Use real-life examples to illustrate your process-driven mindset.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Brush up on your understanding of machine learning concepts and be prepared to discuss recent research papers. You don’t need to derive the math, but showing that you can engage with the material will impress the interviewers and show you’re serious about the role.
