Growth and Operations Manager - Columbus, Ohio

The future of AI — whether in training or evaluation, classical ML or agentic workflows — starts with high-quality data. · At HumanSignal, we're building the platform that powers the creation, curation, and evaluation of that data. From fine-tuning foundation models to validating ...

Job description

The future of AI — whether in training or evaluation, classical ML or agentic workflows — starts with high-quality data.

At HumanSignal, we're building the platform that powers the creation, curation, and evaluation of that data. From fine-tuning foundation models to validating agent behaviors in production, our tools are used by leading AI teams to ensure models are grounded in real-world signal, not noise.

Our open-source product, Label Studio, has become the de facto standard for labeling and evaluating data across modalities — from text and images to time series and agents-in-environments. With over 250,000 users and hundreds of millions of labeled samples, it's the most widely adopted OSS solution for teams working on building AI systems. 

Label Studio Enterprise builds on that traction with the security, collaboration, and scalability features needed to support mission-critical AI pipelines — powering everything from model training datasets to eval test sets to continuous feedback loops.We started before foundation models were mainstream, and we're doubling down now that AI is eating the world. If you're excited to help leading AI teams build smarter, more accurate systems — we'd love to talk.

HumanSignal is revolutionizing how the world's most advanced AI systems are built. As the creators of Label Studio, the world's most flexible data labeling platform, and through our newly formed HumanSignal Services division (after our recent acquisition of Erud AI), we're at the forefront of manufacturing the purpose-built datasets that power breakthrough AI applications.

Our mission is clear: harness human intelligence to power the future of AI. We work with frontier labs and the world's largest enterprises to remove data bottlenecks and enable innovation at velocity. Through our Data Creation Laboratories, we don't just label data—we manufacture it from scratch in controlled environments, creating the novel datasets that novel AI applications demand.

About the Role

We're seeking a dynamic, hands-on Operations Manager to lead our Columbus data collection facility. This is an onsite leadership role where you'll be the face of HumanSignal in Columbus—managing day-to-day operations, driving project delivery excellence, and building our local talent pipeline in one of the fastest-growing AI data markets.

This role requires someone who can wear many hats: operations leader, recruiter, marketer, and problem-solver. You'll be 100% onsite when projects are in progress, ensuring flawless execution while simultaneously building the systems and teams that enable us to scale.

What You'll Do

Onsite Operations Leadership

• Manage all aspects of our Columbus facility operations, maintaining 100% onsite presence during active project delivery
• Oversee project execution from setup through completion, ensuring quality standards and delivery timelines are consistently met
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, vendors, and team members at the Columbus location
• Build and maintain operational systems that ensure smooth, efficient project delivery

Talent Acquisition & Growth

• Lead recruiting outreach efforts to build and maintain a pipeline of qualified annotators and data collection specialists
• Develop and execute creative recruiting strategies tailored to the Columbus market
• Design marketing materials and campaigns to attract top talent in the local market
• Build relationships with local universities, community organizations, and job boards to source candidates
• Conduct initial screenings and coordinate hiring processes

Marketing & Community Building

• Create compelling visual and written content for recruiting campaigns using graphic design tools
• Manage our local employer brand presence across digital and community channels
• Organize community events and information sessions to attract talent
• Develop partnerships with local organizations to strengthen our Columbus presence

Detail-Oriented Operations Management

• Maintain meticulous project documentation, tracking systems, and quality control processes
• Monitor resource allocation, scheduling, and facility logistics with precision
• Ensure compliance with all project specifications, client requirements, and company standards
• Track and report on operational metrics, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Coordinate with HQ teams on project planning, resource needs, and escalations

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of the Columbus, Ohio market—local networks, talent pools, and community landscape
• Demonstrated recruiting or talent acquisition experience, including outreach campaign development
• Graphic design skills and experience creating marketing materials (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar)
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and project management abilities
• Excellent communication skills and comfort operating independently with minimal oversight
• Ability and willingness to work 100% onsite during active project periods
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Ideal Background

• Experience managing physical facilities or on-site operations
• 3+ years of operations management experience with proven ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Background in gig economy, staffing, or high-volume hiring environments
• Familiarity with data annotation, AI training data, or related technical fields
• Experience in startup or fast-paced environments where you've built systems from scratch
• Track record of creative problem-solving and resourcefulness

At HumanSignal we pay based on regional compensation market rate ranges across the globe. We are hiring for this role across North and South America as well as Europe. The base cash compensation range is $68,000 to $82,000 USD. These ranges are provided by market data and are in good faith. The final offer details are determined by several factors including candidate experience, expertise, as well as applicable industry knowledge and may vary from the pay ranges listed above.