Head of Data Collection

About Tacit We are an early-stage, deep tech startup based in San Francisco, developing innovative hardware that rethinks human-computer interaction. We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team from Stanford, BrainGate, Oculus, and Tesla. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges to bring revolutionary products to life. About the role As Head of Data Collection, you'll own how Tacit collects data at scale end-to-end. You’ll hire and manage the data collection technicians and site supervisors, build out the team and the systems behind them, launch multi-site operations across the US and internationally, and work closely with research and engineering to steer datasets and execute data collection rollouts. and clear any operational bottlenecks along the way. You'll work cross-functionally with the executive team, reporting regularly on collection performance and owning the recommendations that shape data collection strategy. This is a full-time, on-site role based primarily in our San Francisco headquarters. While most of your time will be spent in San Francisco, the role will require travel to our San Jose site and future locations to support site launches, operational initiatives, and other business needs. What you'll do Build an Exceptional Operations Organization Outstanding operations begin with outstanding leadership. One of your most important responsibilities will be building and developing a high-performing operations organization. You will: Lead, coach, and develop our Site Supervisors and Data Collectioin team. Build a culture of accountability, ownership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Hire, onboard, develop, and retain exceptional operational talent. Lead employee performance management, coaching, succession planning, and organizational development. Build an organization capable of scaling alongside Tacit's growth. Drive Operational Excellence This means constantly asking: How can we collect more high-quality data? How can we improve participant throughput? How can we reduce operational costs? How can we improve quality? How can we better utilize our people and facilities? How can we make every part of our operation more efficient? You will: Define, track, and own the key operational metrics that measure success, including throughput, quality, utilization, staffing, capacity, productivity, and cost. Build dashboards and regularly report operational performance and recommendations to executive leadership. Own the operational budget for the Data Collection organization, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and reduce operating costs. Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Design, implement, and measure process improvements that increase data collection output while maintaining exceptional quality. Develop SOPs, operational playbooks, and scalable workflows that enable consistent execution across all sites. Continuously evaluate new tools, technologies, and operational approaches that improve productivity and reduce costs. This is a highly analytical role. We're looking for someone who enjoys using data to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and measure results. Scale Our Operations We're growing quickly. You'll help build the operational foundation that enables Tacit to scale well beyond our current footprint. This includes: Leading operations across our San Francisco and San Jose locations. Launching and scaling new data collection sites. Standardizing processes, reporting, and operational systems across locations. Building systems that allow Data Collection Operations to scale efficiently as the company grows. Helping evaluate and support future domestic and international expansion opportunities. This is a unique opportunity to build an operations organization largely from the ground up. Cross-Functional Leadership Partner closely with Engineering and Research to execute data collection roll-outs. Serve as the operational voice of the field by identifying opportunities to improve collection hardware, software, and workflows. Coordinate with HR on hiring and workforce planning. Partner with Facilities, IT, and Leadership on operational initiatives. Own relationships with landlords, staffing agencies, operational vendors, and other external partners. Ensure Data Collection is conducted safely and in compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements. Requirements 7+ years of operations leadership experience leading complex, people-intensive operational organizations. Direct people-management experience: hiring, training, and running a team (field, technician, or operational staff a strong plus) Demonstrated success building and scaling operational processes across one or more locations. Proven experience owning operational metrics, executive reporting, budgets, and continuous improvement initiatives. Strong analytical mindset with a track record of identifying opportunities, implementing solutions, and measuring results. Exceptional people leadership, coaching, and organizational development skills. Excellent project management and organizational abilities. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both frontline teams and executive leadership. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment. Willingness to work full-time on-site in San Francisco and travel to other operational sites as needed. Strong candidates may have Experience leading operations in one or more of the following: Research Operations Clinical Operations Manufacturing Operations Healthcare Operations Logistics or Fulfillment Hospitality Operations Customer Service Operations Experience launching and scaling new physical locations or operational sites. Experience supporting international operational expansion. Experience at a high-growth technology, AI, hardware, robotics, healthcare, or research-driven company. Love building high-performing teams and developing leaders. Naturally look for ways to improve systems and processes. Make decisions using data rather than intuition alone. Enjoy solving operational problems at scale. Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Are energized by building organizations during periods of rapid growth. Want to help scale operations from two locations today to many more in the future Compensation Range $150,000 - $200,000/year plus competitive equity package Benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Company size: 30-50 people Unlimited PTO Visa sponsorship 4% 401k matching