Operations Program Manager
About Handshake
Handshake was founded on a simple belief that everyone deserves a path to a great career, regardless of where they went to school or who they know. Today, we power 25 million job seekers, 1 million+ employers, and 1,600 educational institutions.
In 2025, we started Handshake AI and built the fastest-growing AI data business in history. We work directly with frontier AI lab researchers to create evaluations, publish benchmarks, and push the boundary of data. We've grown from $0 to ~$1B run rate and pay ~$60M to over 30K individuals every month.
Why join Handshake now:
Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
Partner hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world's top educational institutions
Work together with engineers, scientists, operators, and more from Palantir, Meta, Scale AI, and former YC founders
Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue
About Handshake AI
Human data is the core infrastructure to AI advancement. Frontier AI labs currently improve model capabilities with various data-intensive post-training techniques. We believe that data spend for AI training will increase by 3-5x in the next few years and continue for much longer as models take on new domains. Handshake AI supports all of the frontier AI labs, working on their most complex data at the largest scale.
About The Role
The Operations Program Manager, Central Operations is an individual contributor role driving the execution of high-impact operational programs across Central Operations' core functions - Contractor Operations, Marketplace & Allocations, Trust & Safety, and Pay. This is a hands-on role focused on designing, improving, and scaling operational processes through strong program management, data fluency, and structured execution. You'll partner closely with Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Analytics, and Delivery to translate operational needs into clear requirements, execution plans, and measurable outcomes - bringing structure to ambiguity so programs run smoothly end-to-end.
Own and execute operational programs end-to-end across Central Operations functions
Translate operational needs into clear requirements, execution plans, and measurable outcomes for cross-functional partners
Analyze performance data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
Build and optimize processes to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability
Partner cross-functionally to launch and iterate on operational initiatives
Track and report on key metrics, ensuring programs meet performance targets
Drive continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and experimentation
You Have
2+ years of experience in operations, technical program management, or a similar individual-contributor role supporting cross-functional initiatives
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions
Strong SQL and data analysis skills, with the ability to independently pull, analyze, and investigate operational data to surface actionable insights
Proven ability to manage multiple cross-functional programs or workstreams simultaneously, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Comfort operating in ambiguous environments - including working "in the weeds" of operational workflows - and translating messy real-world processes into structured, clear plans
Bonus points:
Experience in one of Central Operations' core functions - Contractor Operations, Marketplace & Allocations, Trust & Safety, or Pay
Strong problem-solving skills, with a structured approach to complex challenges
Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in documenting requirements and communicating status, risks, and tradeoffs
Experience operating in fast-paced, metrics-driven environments, with a bias toward execution and continuous improvement
We Offer
Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported and thrive at work and in life.
The below benefits are for full-time US employees.
Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.