Senior Vendor Manager

Centific

5d•$110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Centific is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager – Data Collection Operations to lead and scale our end-to-end logistics, equipment, and location operations supporting global AI data collection programs. This role will oversee a team of Project Coordinators responsible for equipment logistics, lab operations, and location sourcing, ensuring seamless execution of complex, multi-site data collection initiatives. This leader will play a critical role in enabling Centific’s Physical AI Lab strategy and real-world data capture programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with security and operational standards.

Requirements

8–12+ years of experience in:
Operations, logistics, or program management
Facilities, real estate, or site operations
3–5+ years of experience managing teams in fast-paced environments
Proven experience managing complex, multi-site operational programs
Strong knowledge of:
Logistics and supply chain operations
Vendor and contract management
Budgeting and financial oversight
Experience working with technical equipment or lab environments

Nice To Haves

Experience in AI data collection, research studies, or production environments
Familiarity with global shipping, customs, and compliance requirements
Experience supporting lab build-outs or physical environment staging
Background working with enterprise or Big Tech clients

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy
Own end-to-end operational delivery for data collection logistics, equipment management, and site enablement
Develop scalable frameworks to support global, multi-site data collection programs
Partner with Delivery, Solutions, and Client teams to align operations with client requirements and timelines
Drive continuous improvement across workflows, tools, and vendor ecosystems
Equipment & Logistics Management Oversight
Oversee global logistics strategy for prototype devices, cameras, sensors, and lab equipment
Ensure standardized processes for:
Inventory tracking and asset management
Domestic and international shipping (including compliance, insurance, and customs)
Equipment readiness, calibration, and lifecycle management
Mitigate risks related to high-value and sensitive equipment handling
Location Sourcing & Site Operations
Lead strategy for sourcing and securing residential, commercial, and lab environments for data collection
Oversee vendor relationships with:
Real estate brokers, landlords, Airbnb hosts
Facilities, staging companies, and build-out vendors
Ensure all locations meet client specifications, safety requirements, and regulatory compliance
Drive efficiency in site selection, booking, and turnover processes
Lab Build-Out & Physical AI Enablement
Lead planning and execution of lab environments (e.g., homes, retail, medical, warehouse setups)
Partner with internal and external teams on:
Space design and layout optimization
Construction and staging logistics
Equipment deployment within lab environments
Support expansion of Centific’s Physical AI lab footprint globally
Vendor & Budget Management
Manage vendor ecosystem across logistics, real estate, staging, and facilities
Negotiate contracts, pricing models, and service-level agreements
Own and track budgets for:
Equipment procurement and shipping
Site rentals and build-outs
Operational support services
Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality
Risk, Compliance & Security
Ensure adherence to data security, privacy, and compliance standards across all operations
Oversee:
Chain-of-custody protocols
Insurance and liability coverage
Site and participant safety measures
Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks