Associate Project Manager

About Appen Appen is your trusted partner to provide high-quality data solutions for AI, with a strong focus on large language models (LLMs) and deep learning. Our mission is to empower businesses to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence while upholding ethical principles and creating AI for good.  With a diverse and skilled workforce comprising data scientists, linguists, engineers, and subject matter experts, we offer unrivaled expertise in data collection, annotation, fine-tuning and assurance. We understand the transformative power of LLMs in revolutionizing natural language processing and communication.  What sets us apart is our commitment to ethical AI practices. We believe in the responsible use of AI, ensuring fairness, transparency, and unbiased decision-making. Our stringent processes are designed to mitigate biases and uphold the highest ethical standards, enabling our clients to deploy AI applications that are trustworthy and inclusive.  At Appen, we firmly believe in the potential of AI to make a positive impact on society. Our mission is to drive innovation and solutions that address pressing global challenges. We actively collaborate with organizations and researchers working on socially impactful projects, aiming to leverage AI technology to solve real-world problems, improve lives, and foster a more sustainable future.  We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 
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\n$65,000 - $65,000 a year
Position Summary The Associate Project Manager (APM) contributes toleading effective service delivery for our clients. The APM does this through developing and executing project plans following best practice. As part of the Language Services team at Appen they will specialize in project delivery for Artificial Intelligence use cases with a language or linguistic application.   Language Services is a global team with hubs in APAC, EMEA and the USA. This role is 100% remote home-office based and will be part of our USA hub.  The APM will lead project components to successful client and project outcomes through high quality service delivery. The APM achieves this through nuanced, expertcoordination of internal and external teams and stakeholders working with a PM, Program Manager, and/or Portfolio (Senior) Manager. The APM works collaboratively with an Appen team to meet all client and project requirements.   The ideal candidate will demonstrate solid project management practice in a client-facing, service delivery setting with a keen appreciation of scope management. You will have a 'no stone left unturned' approach to problem solving, backed by a commercial awareness of the cost/benefit of a given course of action. You will be comfortable using a wide variety of software tools and applications.   APMs are exposed to a wide range of project types driven by client demand. Any domain of subject matter expertise is acceptable however exposure to any of the following domains will be potentially advantageous: data science, machine learning and AI, languages and linguistics, or software development.  Responsibilities: The role includes but is not limited to the following duties and responsibilities:  - Execution of projects (either autonomously or with supervision from a PM/PgM or Line Manager)  - Develop and execute delivery and quality management plans to support a project end-to-end.   - Autonomously plan and manage projects to quality, time and budget to ensure effective project execution and delivery, reporting to a portfolio manager  - Build and maintain strong client relationships to increase client satisfaction and revenue opportunities  - Communicate with all stakeholders, in a timely, clear, and concise manner across multiple time zones  - Drive continuous project improvements and efficiencies  - Coordinate between project team members in a matrix reporting environment, which may include supervision of project-specific consultants as part of delivery execution.  - Coordinate all technical activities as required for project delivery including technical set up, workflow design, quality assurance process design and project delivery itself via Appen or client systems.   - Prepare and implement project plans, prepare reports and project-related materials  - Manage risks and issues and undertake recovery actions as necessary  - Actively participate in departmental project review and QBR meetings as assigned   Demonstrating best practice: - Develop or present post project reviews, learning and training initiatives.  - Document project and process resources arising from service delivery.?  - Provide operational input to the Sales team (as required).?  - Participate in the training and mentoring Appen staff, program improvements, initiatives, and committee work as assigned.?  - Actively participate in departmental project review and QBR meetings as assigned??  Minimum Qualifications and Experience:   - Degree level qualification from an accredited university or equivalent work experience preferred E.g. AI/Machine learning, Linguistics, Computer Science, Business studies, Engineering or Software development.    - Project management experience (1-3 years), preferably in a technical or managed services related field  - 1+ years client facing or relationship management experience   - Excellent oral and written communication skills   - Solid understanding of best practice in data management   - Advanced Excel skills   Desired Qualifications and Experience:   - A recognized Project Management certification    - A basic understanding of LLMs or linguistic concepts  - Exposure to AI or Machine learning, large language models, speech technology, data science or NLP/NLU   - Experience working with crowdsourcing platforms a bonus   - Bi-lingual in a second language also a bonus?  You will succeed in this role if you are:   - A motivated self-starter who can establish a course of action for self and others and drive initiatives to completion  - Able to deal calmly and professionally with ambiguous data while leading in an environment of constant change  - Able to establish productive, cooperative relationships across a global team and demonstrate excellent conflict resolution skills  - Excellent at communication, including an ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing or verbally  - Passionate about learning new skills and technologies.   - Take personal responsibility for continuous learning  - An analytical thinker with ability to proactively identify problems, gather information and set a course of action  \n