At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage data programs, collaborate with researchers, and oversee vendor relationships.
- Company: Join Odyssey, a pioneering AI lab transforming 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 SQL skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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 in London employer: Odyssey
At Odyssey, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the cutting-edge field of AI. Our Data Program Manager role not only provides opportunities for professional growth through engagement with frontier research but also allows you to make a tangible impact on transformative technologies across various sectors. With a focus on employee development and a supportive environment, Odyssey is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Program Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Odyssey's projects and values so you can speak their language during interviews. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you connect your experience with their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Data Program Manager role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Program Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what a Data Program Manager does. Dive into the job description and highlight the key responsibilities and skills. This will help you tailor your application to show that you're the perfect fit for us!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on relevant projects or roles that align with the job. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage data programs, negotiate with vendors, and work in AI or ML contexts. We want to see how you've tackled similar challenges before!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your writing is easy to follow. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see your qualifications without wading through fluff.
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 serious about joining our team at Odyssey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Odyssey
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Data Program Manager, you need to be well-versed in the data landscape. Brush up on the latest AI and ML research relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with common data types and their applications, so you can confidently discuss how they relate to Odyssey's goals.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since you'll be managing vendors, it's crucial to demonstrate your negotiation skills. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or reduced costs. This will show that you can handle vendor relationships effectively and keep costs down for Odyssey.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects. Highlight specific instances where you've turned vague requirements into actionable plans. Use metrics to illustrate your success in driving projects forward, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about SQL and basic data analysis. Brush up on your technical skills and be prepared to pull numbers or analyse data on the spot. This will demonstrate your capability to engage with the technical aspects of the role and support the research team effectively.
