Job Number
1970324837030850-en-1
Overview:
At Microsoft AI, we are on a mission to train the world’s most capable AI frontier models, pushing the boundaries of scale, performance, and product deployment. We’re tackling some of the most challenging problems in deep learning at scale. As a team, we will deliver one of the best foundation models in the world, forming the foundation of many initiatives across Microsoft AI.
We’re looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented Data Operations Manager (IC3) to make sure every dataset we acquire lands in researchers’ hands, is validated for quality, and delivers measurable impact—all while closing process gaps across Business Development, Procurement, Legal, Compliance, and Finance. We need someone who:
- Is familiar with the pipeline of collecting data, training, and then serving language and multimodal models.
- Has experience working side-by-side with researchers and engineers.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Is passionate about managing high-stakes, time-sensitive, large-scale programs.
- Takes the initiative and enjoys finding paths through complexity in a fast-paced environment.
- Is comfortable owning projects that span offices, teams, and time zones, can co-ordinate different workstreams, and drives relentlessly to unblock progress.
- Demonstrates a proactive attitude and enthusiasm for exploring new methods and technologies.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
This role is based in Mountain View, CA; you must be local to the San Francisco Bay Area and in office three days per week.
Responsibilities
- Track research-ready data and impact — ensure acquired datasets reach research teams on schedule, run post-delivery validation, and track downstream model-quality improvements.
- Develop and implement validation workflows (in-house or vendor-managed); assign scientists, follow up on sign-offs, and report quality metrics.
- Budget & procurement oversight — create a unified tracking mechanism for Purchase Orders (POs), vendor spend, amortization schedules, and delivery milestones; surface risks early and drive on-time completion.
- Data catalog & governance — maintain a central library of validated datasets, metadata, and storage locations for MAI; support compliance and discoverability across Microsoft AI.
- Cross-functional coordination — close operational gaps among Business Development, Procurement, Legal, Compliance, Finance, and Engineering; resolve supplier-web, invoice, or payment issues when escalations occur.
- Operational tooling & analytics — build dashboards that combine budget, delivery status, and impact metrics; leverage Azure, advanced Excel/SQL, and CRM/ERP data to optimize cycle times.
- Advance the AI frontier responsibly and embody our culture and values.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree AND 4+ years experience in engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development OR equivalent experience. 2+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
- Hands-on expertise with Azure (storage, IAM, basic networking) and modern data tooling; strong Excel and SQL skills.
- Proven ability to build budget/impact tracking systems and manage complex cross-functional initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree AND 6+ years experience in technical data operations, procurement program management, or finance systems integration OR equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated success running large-scale data-validation programs and curating enterprise data catalogs.
- Familiarity with supplier portals, invoice workflows, and amortization accounting.
Technical Program Management IC4 – The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 – $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 – $258,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until 09/30/2025.
