Program Manager, Language Data & Gen AI Initiatives
Location: Bangalore
Type: Full-time
Role Overview:
At ARTPARK in collaboration with Indian Institute of Science, we are building one of the world’s largest open-source, multimodal datasets for Indic languages through Project Vaani.
We are looking for a Program Manager who will operate at the intersection of program execution, product strategy, and AI data ecosystems. This role goes beyond traditional operations, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of large-scale AI data programs, from strategy and vendor execution to dataset quality, platform delivery, and ecosystem adoption.
You will work closely with cross-functional teams across data, ML, engineering, and external partners (including Google, startups, and research labs) to ensure that datasets are not only built at scale, but are usable, high-quality, and impactful for real-world AI applications.
Key Responsibilities:
End-to-End Program Ownership
● Own the full lifecycle of large-scale language data programs (like Vaani) — from strategy → execution → delivery → adoption
● Define program roadmap across Data collection, Quality pipelines, Dataset release and platform integration
● Drive execution across multiple parallel workstreams (vendors, internal teams, ML, platform)
● Own program-level decisions: Budget allocation (multi-crore programs) and Resource planning (teams, vendors, infra)
2.Data Collection Strategy & Vendor Ecosystem
● Design and evolve data collection strategy
● Identify, onboard, and manage multiple vendors across India
● Build scalable vendor frameworks
● Solve real-world constraints of Data collection & annotation
3. Quality, Benchmarking & ML Alignment
● Define and drive data quality frameworks:
● Work closely with ML teams to ensure
○ Dataset usability for ASR, TTS, and LLM applications
○ Feedback loop from models → data improvements
● Drive benchmarking efforts with partners and startups
4. Dataset adoption & Ecosystem Building
● Own the data platform experience (e.g., dataset portal, APIs, downloads)
● Translate user needs (ML engineers, researchers, startups)
● Drive improvements in: Dataset usability, Adoption metrics\
● Build partnerships, case studies, and external visibility
5. Stakeholder & Partner Management
● Act as the primary interface for Strategic partners (e.g., Google), Government ecosystems (e.g., Bhashini), Startups and research labs
● Drive alignment across various internal and external stakeholders
● Lead program reviews, reporting, and decision-making
6. Internal Team Leadership & Operations
● Lead and scale cross-functional teams, Data curation (QC teams), Program associates, Freelancers / gig workforce
● Build structured workflows for Task tracking, QC pipelines, Delivery management
● Improve operational efficiency
Requirements
Educational Background: Undergraduate degree/MBA with 4-6 years of experience in Program management/Project management, preferably within a startup or fast-paced environment.
Ownership mindset: Self-driven, self-starter who looks to find problems and solve them in interest of the organization. If you are one to work when told, it wouldn't be a good fit.
Skills and Experience:
a. Experience in managing on-ground operations is a must. Experience in a startup is recommended but not mandatory.
b. Comfortable in working in a dynamic and uncertain environment, with an ability to adapt quickly.
c. Experience in leading operational teams, with focus on data-driven decisions
Strong leadership and team management skills, with an ownership mindset to take initiative and drive projects and targets.
Analytical mindset & Hands on with tech
What This Role Really Owns
This role is a combination of:
● Program Manager
● Product Manager
● Ecosystem Builder
● AI Program Lead
Why Join Us?
● Work on one of India’s largest AI language data initiatives
● High ownership across strategy, execution, and ecosystem impact
● Opportunity to operate at the intersection of data, AI, and real-world deployment
About ARTPARK
ARTPARK @ IISc (AI & Robotics Technology Park) fosters innovations in AI & Robotics by bringing together the best of research, startup, industry, and government ecosystems. We drive mission-oriented deep-tech projects, technology business incubation, and translational research in areas such as industrial automation, mobility, agriculture, healthcare and education.ARTPARK is seed-funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and the Govt. of Karnataka.