Business Operations Manager

Details

About the Team

The Data Acquisition team within Foundations at OpenAI is responsible for all aspects of data collection to support model training. The team builds and operates large-scale crawling infrastructure, sources and structures external datasets, and works with research, product, and partnerships to ensure OpenAI has the data needed to build and deploy frontier AI systems. The team combines technical fluency, operational rigor, and strategic thinking to move quickly on mission-critical initiatives.

About the Role

We are hiring a Business Operations Manager to lead data operations and acquisition programs. In this role you will partner closely with research, product, and business teams to identify data needs, source and evaluate data opportunities, and ensure high-quality data is efficiently delivered into training pipelines. You will develop a deep understanding of models, product goals, and the broader data ecosystem; work with researchers and engineers to clarify data requirements; design and manage acquisition workflows; engage external partners; and establish processes to create, acquire, and manage data at scale.

This role is based in our San Francisco HQ or New York office. We operate on a hybrid work model with three days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with research, product, and partnerships teams to understand data needs and define acquisition priorities aligned with model and product goals.
• Translate research objectives into clear technical requirements and operational plans, ensuring data workflows, timelines, and quality standards are well understood and executed.
• Lead vendor and partner engagements for data sourcing — including evaluating suppliers, negotiating agreements, and managing delivery.
• Establish and maintain metrics for data quality, throughput, spend efficiency, and overall program performance, ensuring visibility to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Identify gaps in the data ecosystem and proactively drive initiatives to strengthen data acquisition and creation capabilities over time.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (the posting prefers 8+ years) in business operations, strategy, venture capital, private equity, consulting, or operations management, with at least 2 years operating within a company. Exceptional candidates with fewer years at top companies may be considered.
• Proven ability to take end-to-end ownership of large, ambiguous problems and break them down into clear, actionable plans.
• Experience engaging with executives and senior leaders to influence and drive strategic decisions.
• Strong ability to work under pressure, adapt quickly, and operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly analytical: sophisticated approach to analysis, ability to ask and answer important questions, and present results clearly to influence decision making.
• Comfortable operating at all altitudes — discussing strategy and vision with executives and troubleshooting operations with individual contributors and external partners.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Passionate about technology and artificial intelligence, and interested in its impact on business and society.

Nice to haves

• Technical background with a computer science degree or work in engineering/product.
• Experience working in AI.
• Experience working in data science.

Benefits

• Base salary range listed: $180,000 – $240,000; total compensation may include equity and performance-related bonus(es).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts (Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter expenses).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave, medical and caregiver leave.
• Paid time off (flexible PTO for exempt employees; up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees) and 13+ paid company holidays.
• Mental health and wellness support; employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible.
• Relocation support for eligible employees.

Additional Information

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company focused on ensuring general-purpose AI benefits humanity. The company is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable law.