[Hiring] Head of Operations @Protege

Role Description

As Head of Operations, DataLab at Protege, you will be a strategic partner and problem-solver, driving alignment, execution, and impact across the organization. You’ll work side-by-side with the CEO and leadership team to ensure our most important priorities move forward, from operational planning and strategic initiatives to executive communications and cross-functional coordination.

This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys switching between strategic thinking and hands-on execution, and can adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment. You’ll have broad exposure to the business, making this an ideal position for someone who wants to help shape Protege’s future.

Key Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operations for the Data Lab, including planning, prioritization, and execution across data initiatives.
• Design and implement scalable operational processes (intake, prioritization, resourcing, delivery, and reporting) to support data projects from concept through launch.
• Partner with Data, Product, and Engineering leaders to identify operational bottlenecks and continuously improve workflows, tooling, and decision-making.
• Establish operating rhythms, metrics, and dashboards to track progress, performance, and impact of Data Lab work.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear roadmaps, timelines, and accountability across cross-functional stakeholders.
• Prepare clear, concise updates and materials for executives, partners, and internal stakeholders on Data Lab priorities and outcomes.
• Act as a hands-on problem solver and “operator in residence,” stepping into critical gaps as the Data Lab scales.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in business operations, consulting, or a strategy/analyst role in a high-growth or fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and proposing structured solutions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; able to work effectively with both technical and commercial teams.
• Highly adaptable, resourceful, and proactive in taking ownership of outcomes.
• Curious, tenacious, and proactive.
• Biased towards action and continuously stay scrappy.
• Treat those around you with kindness.

Bonus if you have these attributes

• Experience in AI or data-driven industries.
• Prior exposure to startup or scale-up environments.
• Comfort with SQL, analytics tools, or low-code automation platforms.
• Experience designing and implementing new business processes or systems.
• Background in project management or change management.

Protege Values

• Pass the Loved Ones’ Test: We act with integrity and do the right thing — especially when it’s hard and no one is watching.
• Always Find a Way: We are resourceful, resilient builders who solve hard problems and push through obstacles.
• Go Fast and Grow Fast: Velocity matters. We move with urgency, learn quickly, and continuously improve as individuals and as a company.
• Practice Kindness and Candor: We communicate directly and respectfully, building trust through honest feedback and genuine care for one another.
• Deliver Together: We win as one team. Collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership drive our success.
• Own the Outcome. Hone the Craft: We take pride in our work, sweat the details, and continuously raise the bar for excellence.