Strategic Project Lead

About the Role

Silicon Valley’s leading AI companies partner with Mercor to scale high-quality data operations. As an SPL, you will:

• Drive the tactical execution of multi-million-dollar projects.
• Build deep client relationships with researchers at top AI labs.
• Orchestrate the work of 1,000+ contributors.
• Ensure flawless operational execution under demanding timelines.

This is a hands-on operations role for candidates excited by process optimization, rapid iteration, and high-intensity problem solving. We're an early-stage startup that operates with intensity. That means being responsive on weekends and always holding a high bar for output. The upside - performance incentives, career trajectory, and meaningful equity - reflects that.

Core Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Design and manage end-to-end data pipelines, from customer specifications to final delivery.
• Diagnose bottlenecks, restructure workflows, and implement solutions that improve quality, throughput, and cost-efficiency.
• Examples include: creating incentive systems, re-sequencing workflows, refining instructions, and scaling review processes.

Customer Relationships

• Act as the primary point of contact for leading AI labs.
• Deliver clear, consistent reporting and proactively anticipate client needs.
• Build long-term trust and identify opportunities for expansion.

Large-scale Coordination

• Manage 1,000+ distributed contributors in Slack-based workspaces.
• Source, vet, train, and performance-manage domain experts.
• Maintain high execution standards across all stages of production.

Quality Reporting

• Run daily internal syncs (“war rooms”) to stay ahead of issues.
• Provide regular, transparent progress updates to customers.

What We’re Looking for

• Experience: Background in consulting, finance, startups, or other operationally intense environments.
• Skills: Strong analytical and communication abilities; proven track record of managing complex projects.
• Customer-Facing Experience: Comfortable working directly with high-profile clients.
• Mindset: Excited by “gritty” process optimization and large-scale execution.

Key Facts

• SPLs generate $10M+ in project revenue annually.
• Customer requests are high-pressure and time-sensitive (e.g., onboarding 1,000 contributors in 3 days, delivering 10+ hours of quality data per contributor within 48 hours).
• The role is explicitly operations-focused-not strategy, product, or GTM.

Growth Path

• SPLs begin as individual contributors, running projects end-to-end.
• High performers may advance to Senior SPL (SSPL) roles, managing multiple projects and teams of SPLs.

Compensation

• Base cash comp from $120K-$200k
• Aggressive bi-annual performance bonus structure
• Generous equity grant vested over 4 years
• $10K proximity bonus (if you live within 0.5 miles of our office)
• $1.5K monthly stipend for meals
• Free Equinox membership
• $200 monthly laundry reimbursement
• $200 monthly personal wellness reimbursement
• Health, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Up to $15k Relocation bonus