Project Manager - AI Annotation Operations (US Process)

About the Role

Cynet India is looking for an experienced and results-oriented Project Manager to oversee AI annotation operations aligned with US client requirements. This position involves leading end-to-end AI data annotation projects, managing a remote distributed workforce, and ensuring top-notch delivery, quality, and client satisfaction. The candidate will work US shift hours (EST) from the Noida location.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle delivery of AI annotation projects, from initiation through to completion.
• Develop detailed project plans, delegate tasks, monitor progress, and ensure milestones are met within schedule.
• Track project status including risks, dependencies, and escalations; provide consistent updates to leadership and clients.
• Act as the main liaison for US-based clients, independently handling meetings, reviews, and operational communications.
• Ensure that all projects meet delivery targets, maintain quality standards, and conform to SLAs and productivity benchmarks.
• Supervise a geographically distributed workforce spanning various skill areas and project streams.
• Collaborate with Recruiting to maintain an adequate pipeline of talent according to forecasted needs.
• Manage workforce allocation based on skills, availability, and project needs to optimize resource use.
• Oversee workforce utilization, capacity planning, attendance, and replacement processes to ensure uninterrupted project execution.
• Handle contractor onboarding processes, including NDAs and operational preparedness documentation.
• Perform quality checks on work submitted, ensuring compliance with annotation guidelines and client expectations.
• Manage quality assurance feedback, coordinate corrective actions, and supervise rework to uphold quality metrics.
• Monitor and improve workforce performance metrics actively through improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Quality teams to enhance annotation accuracy and boost operational efficiency consistently.
• Review and validate contractor timesheets ensuring accurate billing.
• Maintain comprehensive project dashboards, utilization reports, productivity data, and documentation ready for audits.
• Track project budgets, workforce distribution, and performance against defined business objectives.
• Develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), processes, and reporting tools to foster continuous improvement within operations.

Required Qualifications

• 6 to 8 years of project management experience.
• At least 2 years managing contingent contractors or temporary workforce.
• Proven track record managing offshore delivery teams for US-based clients, specifically operating in US shift environments supporting North America.
• Strong expertise in resource planning, scheduling, workforce utilization monitoring, and capacity management.
• Experience managing contract-based projects (SOW engagements) with adherence to delivery compliance.
• Practical experience with contractor management or workforce platforms such as TalentDesk, Deel, Upwork Enterprise, or similar.
• Excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English, capable of independently conducting client meetings.

Preferred Certifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner)
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

About Cynet

Founded in 2010, Cynet is headquartered near Washington, D.C. and delivers custom staffing and recruiting solutions across the US, Canada, the Philippines, and India. The company’s workforce exceeds 1000 employees, with a presence in all 50 US states. Cynet is committed to helping organizations unlock their talent potential through tailored workforce strategies.