Team Lead, Catalog Selection & Quality Operations

Overview

About the Role - 

In this role, you will be instrumental in shaping how we improve catalog data quality and selection. You'll work closely with Catalog Product, Machine Learning (ML), and Engineering teams to set and implement strategies.. Your tasks will involve enabling our ML model pipelines through building LLM prompts, developing ground truth datasets, and assessing ML model performance. With SQL as your daily tool, you'll delve into data, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and spotting trends. You will mentor and train colleagues while spearheading your own projects.

About the Team - 

The Selection & Quality Operations team is a dynamic part of the Catalog Engineering organization. In collaboration with Catalog Product, Engineering, Data Science, ML, and retailer-facing teams, we ensure the measurement and improvement of catalog data quality. By developing effective processes and tools, we address widespread catalog issues and improve the customer experience. 

Catalog data/attributes are used to power customer experiences in all Instacart products (e.g., Marketplace, Caper, Storefront Pro). Our work ensures that high-quality catalog data forms the bedrock of exceptional customer experience.

About the Job 

AI Enablement (40%)

• Scale data quality issue detection using ML. Collaborate with ML on attribute ML models and human-in-the-loop methodologies. You are responsible for building ground truth datasets, advising ML on what input data should be used, and defining instructions for how to define quality. 
• Independently lead key projects and manage against catalog OKRs. This involves collaborating and aligning with a cross-functional team of technical and non-technical stakeholders to achieve the goals of a project within a defined timeframe. 
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Data Science, and ML on projects (e.g., reduce # of catalog errors in a system).
• Lead the development of scalable solutions that enhance the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of data processing and integration pipelines.
• Implement and manage processes to support the ongoing operations for new Enterprise products. 

Troubleshooting & Monitoring (40%) 

• Manage and resolve Tier 2 complex data issues, ensuring minimal disruptions to operations. 
• Identify key trends across disparate issues. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop lasting solutions. 
• Design, develop, and deploy monitoring systems to track system health, data flow, and potential integration issues across various platforms.
• Create comprehensive error reporting mechanisms that provide clear, actionable insights for both internal teams and external partners.
• Develop and maintain documentation for technical processes, issue resolution, and system monitoring tools.

Team Mentorship (20%) 

• Serve as a trusted resource for team members. Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members. 
• Train team members on how to troubleshoot. 
• Foster a collaborative and solution-focused team culture.

About You

Minimum Qualifications

• 5-7 years of working experience in roles that involve technical support, project management, project delivery, stakeholder management, and/or data analysis/analytics.
• Bachelor’s degree in IT management, or related field.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting complex data issues. 
• Experience leading cross-functional projects end-to-end, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Proven track record of strong ownership and bias to action to drive key business results.
• Blend of business acumen and technical understanding for operational strategy and execution.
• Intermediate knowledge in Excel, Google Sheets, and SQL. Experience using analytical skills to pull, analyze, and make data-driven business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working closely with Product, Engineering, ML, and Data Science teams preferred. 
• Experience working with databases that contain large volumes of structured and unstructured data. Working knowledge of APIs and data integrations.
• Experience working at an e-commerce, retail, or technology company.
• Experience crafting LLM prompts.
• Experience in a B2B / Enterprise setting is an advantage

Note: This role may require occasional weekend work to oversee team members who support an off-hours work flow.