Finance Manager

Sapient Intelligence develops next-generation AI models and autonomous research systems. We are looking for an Operations Manager with strong organizational skills, systems thinking, and execution capabilities to work directly with a Cofounder, build effective internal operations, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and drive company priorities through to completion.

In a team of approximately 50 people, you will be closely involved in day-to-day operations, management processes, and collaboration systems, coordinating people operations, office resources, procurement, and projects. You should be able to identify issues affecting team efficiency, set clear priorities, and turn loosely defined needs into clear responsibilities, practical processes, and tangible results. You should also be willing to handle the details and personally drive execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day company operations. Work with a Cofounder to identify operational priorities and resource needs, coordinate execution, and promptly resolve issues affecting the team’s ability to work effectively.
• Develop and improve internal processes. Establish clear, proportionate, and practical processes for cross-functional collaboration, procurement, contract routing, approvals, recordkeeping, and knowledge management. Continuously refine them based on how they work in practice.
• Build and manage internal workplace systems. Administer and improve collaboration platforms such as Lark/Feishu and office automation systems. Translate operational needs into workflows, forms, access permissions, and automation rules. Ensure information flows effectively between systems, maintain reliable data, and establish clear usage guidelines.
• Drive company priorities and cross-functional projects to completion. Translate management priorities into concrete plans with clear owners, milestones, and delivery standards. Coordinate research, product, and other relevant teams, track progress, manage dependencies, and resolve obstacles.
• Strengthen people and organizational operations. Work with relevant colleagues and service providers to coordinate recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, employee records, and internal communications. Clarify responsibilities and improve both the employee experience and organizational efficiency.
• Manage office resources, procurement, and external services. Oversee office space, equipment and assets, travel arrangements, vendors, and service providers. Establish processes for purchasing, allocation, maintenance, and renewals. Work with the Head of Finance to align budgets, manage expenses, and coordinate payments.
• Establish operational reporting and review processes. Maintain a clear view of company priorities, resource usage, process efficiency, and unresolved issues. Provide a Cofounder with accurate, concise operational updates and follow through on corrective actions and improvements.
• Expand the use of AI in internal operations. Proactively explore AI products and tools for organizing information, processing documents, managing knowledge, tracking projects, and automating workflows. Develop reusable practices and help colleagues use these tools effectively.

Requirements

• Overseas study experience and fluency in spoken and written English and Chinese (Mandarin) . Able to independently participate in English and Chinese-language meetings, prepare documents, and communicate with international teams and external service providers.
• Strong systems thinking and execution skills. Able to structure complex problems, establish priorities, define owners and delivery standards, and follow through until work is complete.
• Familiarity with collaboration platforms such as Lark/Feishu and office automation systems, with practical experience configuring, implementing, or improving them. Able to translate management needs into useful processes and tools and encourage team adoption.
• Sustained interest and curiosity in AI applications and products, proficiency with AI tools, and the ability to demonstrate specific use cases and measurable improvements in efficiency.
• Strong communication, coordination, and writing skills. Able to work effectively with technical teams, management, and external service providers, and move work forward without direct managerial authority.
• Comfortable with the pace of a startup and able to adapt your approach to the team’s size and practical needs. Willing to establish processes and handle day-to-day tasks, with attention to detail, efficiency, and results. A quick learner with a strong sense of ownership.
• Sound cost awareness, a service-oriented approach, and discretion. Able to allocate resources thoughtfully and handle internal information and