Senior Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering

As the unified platform powering the world's most ambitious data-driven enterprises, we sit at the intersection of cloud migrations, AI transformation, and real-time intelligence and our customers challenge us every day to go further. As Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering , you will lead a high-performing team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers at the forefront of this transformation. Partnering with Databricks' most strategic enterprise accounts, you will shape how leading organisations migrate to the lakehouse, build next-generation AI and GenAI systems, and unlock sustained business value from their data investments. As a people leader, you will build and scale a team that represents Databricks' highest standard of technical excellence and customer impact. Your team will partner with enterprises across industries to architect and deliver mission-critical solutions, from large-scale data migrations and legacy modernisation programs to cutting-edge generative AI, MLOps, and AI agent deployments. You will set the bar for delivery quality, grow world-class talent, and drive the strategic governance framework that ensures every engagement is executed with precision and measurable impact. The impact you will have: Drive regional performance targets including billable utilisation, team growth, and hiring while championing delivery excellence and customer success across the FDE portfolio Lead high-stakes enterprise engagements: partner with Account Executives, Engagement Managers, and Field Engineering leaders to position and deliver transformational PS programs spanning data migrations, AI/ML platforms, and advanced analytics Champion delivery governance and operational rigor: establish best practices for project oversight, risk management, and quality standards that scale with a growing FDE & AI Engineering practice Act as executive escalation point for critical customer situations, leveraging deep technical credibility and leadership judgment to protect strategic relationships and drive resolution Develop and retain exceptional technical talent: mentor Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers through structured career pathways, technical coaching, and a culture of innovation, mastery, and continuous growth

Desired Candidate Profile

What we look for: People leadership experience managing high-performing technical delivery teams, solution architects, or professional services organisations with a proven track record of building excellence-driven cultures Hands-on individual contributor experience as a technical solutions architect or data/AI engineer, providing the technical depth to coach and credibly support senior practitioners Demonstrated success leading large-scale data platform migrations and AI/ML programs within enterprise environments, across all industry sectors Strong executive presence and stakeholder management skills, with experience navigating complex, high-stakes customer environments and influencing at the C-suite level Familiarity with Databricks, Apache Spark , MLflow, Delta Lake, or the modern data and AI ecosystem; hands-on experience with Databricks or a direct competitor is highly valued