Strategy and Operations Manager

About Poseidon Poseidon is building the data infrastructure the next generation of AI will depend on. Foundation models are not limited by compute. They are bottlenecked by rare, high-quality, IP-safe data that actually improves performance: the long-tail, edge-case, multi-modal datasets that cannot be scraped or synthetically generated. We are creating a data layer connecting AI companies with the datasets they need. Poseidon is the infrastructure that makes scalable, compliant, demand-driven data sourcing possible. Backed by a16z, we are early, moving fast, and looking for mission-driven teammates to shape this category. Examples of the datasets we work with include conversational audio, complex video, domain-specific imagery, and other real-world data that enables models to perform reliably outside controlled environments. The Role We’re hiring a Strategy & Operations Manager to help us build and scale the internal engine of Poseidon—from product operations to GTM support, special projects, and strategic planning. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role working directly with the founding team to bring clarity, structure, and executional rigor to a fast-moving organization. You’ll operate as a utility player across functions—tracking key initiatives, improving internal processes, and helping prioritize what matters most as we scale. What You’ll Do Drive special projects across all parts of the organization (both internal and external), including product, BD, and ops to unlock near-term growth and long-term scalability Work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure success delivery of data projects Coordinate cross-functional launches (e.g., new product releases, partnership rollouts) Partner with founders to shape company priorities, OKRs, and strategic planning processes Build internal operating systems: project tracking, workflows, meeting cadences, reporting, dashboards Own research and analysis for competitive landscape, GTM strategy, and ecosystem mapping Identify operational gaps and implement solutions to streamline team velocity Support hiring, onboarding, and team development as we grow the org Serve as a key connector between internal teams and external stakeholders What We’re Looking For 4+ years of experience in strategy, operations, product, management consulting, or founder/generalist roles Strong analytical and organizational skills — able to cut through noise and prioritize effectively Proven ability to drive cross-functional initiatives from idea through execution Excellent written and verbal communication skills; clarity and brevity are second nature Comfortable in ambiguous, fast-paced environments where you’re expected to build the process, not follow one Deep interest in AI, infrastructure, and early-stage company building Based in the U.S., ideally in the Bay Area or a major tech hub Nice to Have Experience working in AI, Web3, or frontier tech startups Experience in project management and owning end to end delivery of customer projects Familiarity with company-building workflows (OKRs, board decks, fundraising support, etc.) Exposure to data infrastructure, marketplaces, or developer-facing products Why Join Now? This is a rare opportunity to get in at the ground level of an a16z-backed, Story-incubated startup tackling one of the hardest and most important problems in AI. You'll work directly with the founders, help define how Poseidon operates internally, and play a key role in scaling a category-defining company. #J-18808-Ljbffr The DATA Foundation