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User Operations Lead

About the Team

The Customer Support Engineering team is dedicated to solving some of the most complex problems faced by our diverse customers, ranging from early-stage startups to established global enterprises. Our mission is to ensure developers and enterprises can reliably build mission-critical solutions using OpenAI models. We provide technical guidance, troubleshoot complex issues through support tickets and Slack messages, and partner closely with Technical Success, Product, and Engineering teams to resolve challenges and deliver the best possible customer experience at scale. By supporting customers in maximizing value and adoption, we help them deploy our highly-capable models effectively and successfully.

About the Role:

As a User Operations Team Lead at OpenAI, you will play a critical role in overseeing a dynamic team of Customer Support Engineers. Your leadership will ensure that team members are well-supported and able to perform at their highest potential. You will conduct performance reviews and manage general performance, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration within and across teams.

This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Team Leadership & Development: Lead and support a team of customer support engineers, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and mentorship needed to excel. Foster a high-performance culture by removing operational roadblocks, coaching team members, and investing in upskilling initiatives.

  • Performance Management: Conduct regular performance reviews, provide actionable feedback, and implement tailored development plans to enhance both individual and team growth, driving excellence across the board.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a bridge between the team and other departments, facilitating seamless communication and ensuring collaborative success on cross-functional initiatives.

  • Project Ownership: Oversee and actively contribute to user operations projects, representing the generalist teams in leadership discussions and ensuring the successful execution of key initiatives.

  • Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of innovative strategies that drive the efficiency, scalability, and growth of the user operations team, aligning with organizational goals.

  • Customer-Centric Problem Solving: Partner with engineering teams to resolve complex customer issues, while generating valuable insights to inform product development and GTM strategies.

  • Escalation & Representation: Handle escalated customer or partner engagements with professionalism, ensuring OpenAI is well-represented in challenging situations and complex builds.

Qualifications:

  • More than 5 years of leadership experience, ideally in a Support, IT, Engineering, or similar environment.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.

  • Excellent project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading cross-functional projects.

  • Strategic thinking with the ability to contribute to high-level planning and decision-making.

  • A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across various departments.

  • Familiarity with data science concepts and the ability to translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. 

OpenAI Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

For US Based Candidates: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made via this link.

OpenAI Global Applicant Privacy Policy

At OpenAI, we believe artificial intelligence has the potential to help people solve immense global challenges, and we want the upside of AI to be widely shared. Join us in shaping the future of technology.

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Average salary estimate

$135000 / YEARLY (est.)
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What You Should Know About User Operations Lead, OpenAI

Are you ready to take the reins as a User Operations Lead at OpenAI in beautiful San Francisco? This exciting position offers you the chance to lead a talented team of Customer Support Engineers dedicated to helping a diverse range of customers—from innovative startups to established enterprises—navigate the world of OpenAI models. In this role, you'll be essential in fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration within your team. Your leadership will empower engineers to thrive by providing mentorship, conducting performance reviews, and guiding them through challenges. You’ll also be working closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless communication and contributing to the development of innovative strategies that drive efficiency and growth. Picture yourself overseeing impactful user operations projects, while keeping the customer experience front and center. With your strong background and more than 5 years of leadership experience, you’ll manage not just performance but also inspire and motivate your team. OpenAI's mission is to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity, and as a User Operations Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in making that happen. Plus, with our hybrid work model, you can balance your time between our vibrant office and the comforts of home. If you’re ready to make an impact while nurturing future talent in the exciting field of artificial intelligence, we'd love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for User Operations Lead Role at OpenAI
What are the main responsibilities of a User Operations Lead at OpenAI?

As a User Operations Lead at OpenAI, your responsibilities will encompass leading and supporting a dynamic team of Customer Support Engineers, conducting performance reviews, fostering cross-functional collaboration, overseeing user operations projects, and contributing to strategic planning that aligns with organizational goals. You will be a key player in ensuring the team has the necessary tools and guidance to achieve their best work.

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What qualifications are necessary for a User Operations Lead position at OpenAI?

To qualify for the User Operations Lead role at OpenAI, candidates should have more than 5 years of leadership experience in a Support or IT environment. Strong interpersonal, communication, and project management skills are essential, as well as the ability to inspire team members and contribute to high-level strategic planning.

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How does OpenAI define success for a User Operations Lead?

Success for a User Operations Lead at OpenAI is defined by the ability to develop a high-performance culture within the team, successfully manage cross-functional projects, and enhance customer satisfaction through effective problem-solving and collaboration with engineering teams. Your leadership will directly impact team performance and customer outcomes.

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What makes OpenAI a unique place to work for a User Operations Lead?

OpenAI stands out as a unique workplace for a User Operations Lead due to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI while ensuring it benefits humanity. The collaborative culture and focus on professional development empower employees to thrive across various departments, making it an exciting time to be part of the team.

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What opportunities for professional development are available for User Operations Leads at OpenAI?

OpenAI places a strong emphasis on professional development for its User Operations Leads. This includes tailored development plans, mentorship programs, and access to ample resources for upskilling. The focus on fostering individual and team growth creates a supportive environment for every team member.

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Common Interview Questions for User Operations Lead
How do you prioritize tasks as a User Operations Lead?

When prioritizing tasks as a User Operations Lead, it’s crucial to assess the impact on customer satisfaction and team performance. Creating a structured framework to evaluate tasks based on urgency and importance can help you stay focused on delivering results that align with OpenAI's goals.

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Can you describe a time when you resolved a complex customer issue?

In a past role, I faced a complex customer issue that required cross-team collaboration. I organized a meeting with relevant stakeholders, clarified the problem, and worked collectively to develop a solution. This approach not only resolved the issue effectively but also strengthened interdepartmental relationships.

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What strategies do you use for team motivation?

Motivating a team requires understanding individual drives. I regularly provide feedback, recognize achievements, and promote professional growth opportunities. By fostering an open environment where team members feel valued, I ensure they remain engaged and driven to succeed.

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How do you handle underperformance within your team?

Handling underperformance requires a thoughtful approach. I initiate a one-on-one conversation to understand the challenges faced by the team member. Together, we identify specific goals and develop a plan with clear expectations, offering support and resources to help them return to high performance.

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Can you give an example of cross-functional collaboration you have led?

I once led a project that required collaboration between the support, engineering, and product teams. By establishing clear communication channels and scheduling regular updates, we were able to keep everyone aligned and successfully deliver the project on time, demonstrating the power of teamwork.

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What is your approach to performance reviews?

My approach to performance reviews involves a two-way conversation. I focus on actionable feedback that supports personal growth while also encouraging team members to share their perspectives. This collaborative process helps create a supportive culture where everyone learns and improves.

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How do you ensure customer-centric operations in your team?

To ensure customer-centric operations, I advocate for constant feedback from customers. Our team regularly reviews customer interactions to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Collaborating closely with engineering helps us address specific customer pain points proactively.

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How do you manage conflicts within your team?

Managing conflicts requires prompt and fair intervention. I facilitate open dialogue between conflicting team members, encouraging them to express their perspectives. By guiding them to find common ground and work toward a resolution, I help foster a collaborative team environment.

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What tools do you find most effective for project management?

I find tools like Trello and Asana very effective for project management. They allow for clear task assignments, deadlines, and visibility into project progress. These tools help my team stay organized and aligned while effectively tracking our projects.

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Why do you want to work at OpenAI as a User Operations Lead?

I am drawn to OpenAI because of its mission to ensure that AI benefits humanity. The innovative environment and commitment to high standards resonate with my professional values. I believe that my leadership experience in customer support aligns perfectly with the goals of OpenAI, making it an ideal place for me to contribute.

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OpenAI is a US based, private research laboratory that aims to develop and direct AI. It is one of the leading Artifical Intellgence organizations and has developed several large AI language models including ChatGPT.

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CULTURE VALUES
Inclusive & Diverse
Feedback Forward
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
INDUSTRY
TEAM SIZE
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 22, 2025

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