At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value AI projects from sales to production, acting as the customer's product manager.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech company focused on innovative AI solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with significant career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a founding team making a real impact in the AI industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic roles with strong communication and execution skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Team
The FDE (Forward Deployed Engineering) team is a new, strategic initiative sponsored from the CEO and Founders down. Our mission is to win C-suite-sponsored, high-value AI opportunities by selling and delivering outcomes, not just a platform. You will be part of the founding team, embedded with our most strategic customers from the very first sales call, all the way through to a production-ready solution. You will be the "product manager" for the customer's problem, responsible for the "why" and "what," while our FDEs (Engineers) will be your partners responsible for the "how."
Role Description
As a Deployment Strategist (DS), you are the critical bridge between a customer's multi-million dollar business problem and Databricks' technical solution. You are a "product manager for the field," owning the entire non-technical lifecycle of an FDE engagement.
You will partner with our Account Executives to build C-suite trust, perform deep discovery to map the customer's political and technical landscape, and, most importantly, scope the value. You will define the Minimum Viable Product for a pilot, write the PRD that guides the engineering team, and manage the project to a successful landing. This role requires a rare mix of C-suite gravitas, deep product-style thinking, and a hands-on, "get it done" execution mindset.
The impact you will have:
- C-Suite Scoping & Value Definition: Partner with Sales to perform deep discovery, map the customer's organization, quantify the business value ($10M+ problems), and define the pilot (MVP, success criteria, timeline).
- End-to-End Product Ownership: Act as the "CEO" of the project by authoring the PRD, prioritising the engineering backlog, relentlessly managing scope, and acting as the primary hands-on QA tester.
- Agile Project Execution & Delivery: Drive the FDE build team via an agile process, manage all stakeholder communications from the C-suite to individual engineers, and act as the "escalation manager" to unblock all technical or political issues.
- Solution Launch & Landing: Own the "Day 0" launch, manage the war room, and drive the solution from launch to full adoption by capturing user feedback, iterating, and proving the defined business value.
- Strategic Handoff & Growth: Scope the ongoing maintenance plan, create customer documentation/training, and leverage your trusted advisor status to identify the next high-value FDE engagement.
What we look for:
- Executive Presence & Communication: A "Trusted Advisor" with C-suite gravitas and superb communication skills. You are opinionated, humble, and can build rapport and drive decisions in days, not weeks.
- Product & Strategy Mindset: A "Product Thinker" and "Systems Thinker" who can perform a SWOT analysis, understand a competitive landscape, and define "what" to build and "why."
- Relentless Execution: An "Execution Driver" with a "Hands-On" mentality. You are relentless, an expert at escalation, and willing to do the unglamorous work to get the project done.
Ideal Experience:
Proven experience as a Deployment Strategist or in a high-growth startup environment in a hands-on ‘builder’ or ‘founder’ capacity. Alternatively, strong background in senior, client-facing product or delivery roles within leading technology companies or top-tier consultancies.
Proven Skills:
Demonstrated experience in value-based scoping (TCO/ROI), managing agile software projects, writing PRDs, and the ability/interest to travel up to 50%.
Deployment Strategist in London employer: DataBricks
Databricks is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to mentor others, all while working with cutting-edge data analytics solutions. The collaborative environment encourages creativity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about technology and client engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deployment Strategist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Research the company, understand their products, and think about how you can add value. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in terms of C-suite communication and project execution.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your thought process, especially around product management and agile execution.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Deployment Strategist role!
We think you need these skills to ace Deployment Strategist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deployment Strategist role. Highlight your experience with C-suite communication and project management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex business problems in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate a product mindset and strategic thinking, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences. We appreciate applicants who can communicate effectively, just like we do with our clients!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DataBricks
✨Know Your Customer Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the potential customers you'll be working with. Research their business challenges, industry trends, and how AI can specifically address their needs. This will help you demonstrate your ability to act as a 'Trusted Advisor' right from the get-go.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since this role requires superb communication skills, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you would build rapport with C-suite executives and manage stakeholder communications effectively. Role-play scenarios can be a great way to refine this skill.
✨Showcase Your Product Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to product management and strategy. Think about how you would perform a SWOT analysis for a potential project and be prepared to explain your reasoning. Highlight any past experiences where you defined 'what' to build and 'why' it mattered.
✨Demonstrate Relentless Execution
Prepare examples that showcase your hands-on mentality and execution drive. Discuss specific projects where you managed scope, prioritised tasks, and overcame obstacles. This will illustrate your capability to be the 'CEO' of a project and your commitment to getting things done.
