Project Manager

About Appen 

Appen has been a leader in AI training data for over 25 years, providing high-quality, diverse datasets that power the world's leading AI models. Our end-to-end platform, deep expertise, and scalable human-in-the-loop services enable AI innovators to build and optimize cutting-edge models. 

We specialize in creating bespoke, human-generated data to train, fine-tune, and evaluate AI models across multiple domains, including generative AI, large language models (LLMs), computer vision, speech recognition, and more. Our solutions support critical AI functions such as supervised fine-tuning, reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF), model evaluation, and bias mitigation. 

Our advanced AI-assisted data annotation platform, combined with a global crowd of more than 1M contributors in over 200 countries, ensures the delivery of accurate and diverse datasets. Our commitment to quality, scalability, and ethical AI practices makes Appen a trusted partner for enterprises aiming to develop and deploy effective AI solutions. 

At Appen, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We value curiosity, accountability, and a commitment to delivering the highest-quality AI solutions. We support work-life balance with flexible work arrangements and a dynamic, results-driven environment. Employees have access to competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.  

Our team works closely with the world’s top technology companies and enterprises, tackling exciting challenges and shaping the future of artificial intelligence. 

Position Summary: 

The Project Manager (PM) leads service delivery for our clients. The PM does this through developing and executing project plans following best practice. As part of the Data Collection team at Appen they will specialize in delivery for a variety of crowd-based data collection projects.

Data Collection is a global team with hubs in APAC, EMEA and the USA. This role will be remote, US home-office based. 

The PM will lead project teams to successful client and project outcomes through high quality service delivery. The PM achieves this through nuanced, expert coordination of internal and external teams and stakeholders. The PM works collaboratively with an Appen team to meet all client and project requirements.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate solid project management practice in a client-facing, service delivery setting with a keen appreciation of scope management. You will have a ‘no stone left unturned’ approach to problem solving, backed by a commercial awareness of the cost/benefit of a given course of action. You will be comfortable using a wide variety of software tools and applications, as well as interpersonal skills in group facilitation and team building.

PMs are exposed to a wide range of project types driven by client demand. Any domain of subject matter expertise is acceptable, however exposure to any of the following domains will be potentially advantageous: machine learning and AI, languages and linguistics, or software development.

The role includes but is not limited to the following duties and responsibilities:

Leading project teams -

· Develop and execute delivery and quality management plans to support a project end-to-end

· Autonomously plan and manage projects to quality, time, and budget to ensure effective project execution and delivery

· Build and maintain strong client relationships to increase client satisfaction and revenue opportunities

· Communicate with all stakeholders, in a timely, clear, and concise manner across multiple time zones

· Drive continuous project improvements and efficiencies

· Coordinate all technical activities as required for project delivery including technical set up, workflow design, quality assurance process design and project delivery itself via Appen or client systems.

· Prepare and implement project plans, prepare reports and project-related materials

· Manage risks and issues and undertake recovery actions as necessary

· Actively participate in departmental project review and QBR meetings as assigned

Leading best practice

· Sponsor or present post project reviews, learning and training initiatives

- Document project and process resources arising from service delivery

- Provide operational input to the Sales team (as required)

- Participate in the training and mentoring Appen staff, program improvements, initiatives, and committee work as assigned

- Actively participate in departmental project review and QBR meetings as assigned

Essential Functions:

· Degree level qualification from an accredited university or equivalent work experience preferred E.g. AI/Machine learning, Linguistics, Computer Science, Business studies, Engineering or Software development, Event Management

· Project management experience (2-5 years), preferably in a technical or managed services related field

· 3+ years client facing or relationship management experience

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Solid understanding of best practice in data management

· Advanced Excel skills

Preferred Skills

· A recognized Project Management certification

- Bi-lingual in a second language also a bonus

· A motivated self-starter who can establish a course of action for self and others and drive initiatives to completion

· Able to deal calmly and professionally with ambiguous data while leading in an environment of constant change

· Able to establish productive, cooperative relationships across a global team and demonstrate excellent conflict resolution skills

· Excellent at communication, including an ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing or verbally

· Passionate about learning new skills and technologies

· Take personal responsibility for continuous learning

· An analytical thinker with ability to proactively identify problems, gather information and set a course of action