Dennis Online

Versatile operations and project management professional with over 10 years of experience at Sama, a global leader in AI training data, driving operational excellence, project delivery, and workforce capability building. Expert in leading AI data operations end-to-end — from project scoping and ramp-up to training, onboarding, quality assurance, and stabilization. Proven ability to onboard and upskill high-performing teams on AI annotation and evaluation tools, translate engineering feedback into product improvements, and consistently exceed KPIs through data-driven reporting, process optimization, and strategic leadership in fast-paced AI production environments.

Team Lead — AI Data Operations - Sama - Nairobi, Kenya

(2017-10 - 2026-05)

Sama is a global leader in AI training data, providing data annotation, validation, and model evaluation services across the full AI lifecycle.

• Managed end-to-end production of AI training data operations, ensuring productivity was maximized against KPIs and business standards for large-scale AI model training and evaluation projects.
• Directed the full project lifecycle for new AI data engagements: scoped requirements, built ramp-up and capacity plans, led training and onboarding of production teams, and drove stabilization to ensure successful project launch and continuity.
• Designed and delivered onboarding and training programs that upskilled teams on AI annotation tools, labeling guidelines, and evaluation workflows, reducing time-to-productivity for new hires and new projects.
• Established team goals and executed strategies for performance measurement, reporting progress to internal and external stakeholders through data-driven dashboards and reviews.
• Streamlined workflows by consolidating redundant documentation, resulting in more effective and timely project completion across assigned accounts.
• Acted as the voice of operations to Engineering and Product teams, providing structured feedback on tool and platform enhancements that improved operational efficiency, data quality, and overall productivity.
• Coached and mentored junior team members, conducting regular quality assessments and gap analyses to foster professional development and internal career progression.

Quality Analyst — AI Training Data - Sama - Nairobi, Kenya

(2016-02 - 2017-10)

• Developed and conducted targeted group coaching and training sessions to address data quality deficiencies and improvement opportunities in AI training deliverables.
• Designed and streamlined quality process standards and evaluation rubrics to enhance service delivery and the overall client experience on AI data projects.
• Prepared comprehensive performance audits and data-driven reports for key stakeholders to inform business decisions and product quality improvements.
• Mentored agents into Quality Analyst roles, facilitating internal career progression and talent growth.

Diploma - International Relations and Diplomacy - Zetech University (2020-05 - 2024-10)