Senior Vendor Manager

About Centific

Centific is a frontier AI data foundry that curates diverse, high-quality data, using our purpose-built technology platforms to empower the Magnificent Seven and our enterprise clients with safe, scalable AI deployment. Our team includes more than 150 PhDs and data scientists, along with more than 4,000 AI practitioners and engineers. We harness the power of an integrated solution ecosystem-comprising industry-leading partnerships and 1.8 million vertical domain experts in more than 230 markets-to create contextual, multilingual, pre-trained datasets; fine-tuned, industry-specific LLMs; and RAG pipelines supported by vector databases. Our zero-distance innovation™ solutions for GenAI can reduce GenAI costs by up to 80% and bring solutions to market 50% faster.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between AI creators and industry leaders by bringing best practices in GenAI to unicorn innovators and enterprise customers. We aim to help these organizations unlock significant business value by deploying GenAI at scale, helping to ensure they stay at the forefront of technological advancement and maintain a competitive edge in their respective markets.

About Job

About this Job

Centific is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager - Data Collection Operations to lead and scale our end-to-end logistics, equipment, and location operations supporting global AI data collection programs. This role will oversee a team of Project Coordinators responsible for equipment logistics, lab operations, and location sourcing, ensuring seamless execution of complex, multi-site data collection initiatives.

This leader will play a critical role in enabling Centific's Physical AI Lab strategy and real-world data capture programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with security and operational standards.

Job Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Own end-to-end operational delivery for data collection logistics, equipment management, and site enablement

• Develop scalable frameworks to support global, multi-site data collection programs

• Partner with Delivery, Solutions, and Client teams to align operations with client requirements and timelines

• Drive continuous improvement across workflows, tools, and vendor ecosystems

2. Equipment & Logistics Management Oversight

• Oversee global logistics strategy for prototype devices, cameras, sensors, and lab equipment

• Ensure standardized processes for:

o Inventory tracking and asset management

o Domestic and international shipping (including compliance, insurance, and customs)

o Equipment readiness, calibration, and lifecycle management

• Mitigate risks related to high-value and sensitive equipment handling

3. Location Sourcing & Site Operations

• Lead strategy for sourcing and securing residential, commercial, and lab environments for data collection

• Oversee vendor relationships with:

o Real estate brokers, landlords, Airbnb hosts

o Facilities, staging companies, and build-out vendors

• Ensure all locations meet client specifications, safety requirements, and regulatory compliance

• Drive efficiency in site selection, booking, and turnover processes

4. Lab Build-Out & Physical AI Enablement

• Lead planning and execution of lab environments (e.g., homes, retail, medical, warehouse setups)

• Partner with internal and external teams on:

o Space design and layout optimization

o Construction and staging logistics

o Equipment deployment within lab environments

• Support expansion of Centific's Physical AI lab footprint globally

5. Vendor & Budget Management

• Manage vendor ecosystem across logistics, real estate, staging, and facilities

• Negotiate contracts, pricing models, and service-level agreements

• Own and track budgets for:

o Equipment procurement and shipping

o Site rentals and build-outs

o Operational support services

• Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality

6. Risk, Compliance & Security

• Ensure adherence to data security, privacy, and compliance standards across all operations

• Oversee:

o Chain-of-custody protocols

o Insurance and liability coverage

o Site and participant safety measures

• Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks

Education Requirements

(What is the minimum educational requirement for this position?)

• Degree: (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, etc.)

• Field of Study: (e.g., Business, Engineering, etc.)

• Certifications: (Any specific certifications required?)

Basic Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of experience in:

o Operations, logistics, or program management

o Facilities, real estate, or site operations

• 3-5+ years of experience managing teams in fast-paced environments

• Proven experience managing complex, multi-site operational programs

• Strong knowledge of:

o Logistics and supply chain operations

o Vendor and contract management

o Budgeting and financial oversight

• Experience working with technical equipment or lab environments

Desired Skills

• Experience in AI data collection, research studies, or production environments

• Familiarity with global shipping, customs, and compliance requirements

• Experience supporting lab build-outs or physical environment staging

• Background working with enterprise or Big Tech clients

Salary: $110k-$120k

Centific is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.