Senior Manager, Ai Forward Deployed Engineering - London

About the Role

The Senior Manager, AI Forward Deployed Engineering will lead and grow Databricks' UK AI FDE team to deliver customer-facing GenAI and production ML engagements. The role focuses on recruiting and developing data scientists/ML engineers, managing strategic EMEA accounts, and shaping product and go-to-market strategy through customer-facing delivery.

Focuses on building and deploying GenAI/ML solutions on Databricks and cloud—emphasis is on production AI delivery rather than informal "vibe coding" tools.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Posted: 2 days ago

Category: AI/ML & Data

Vibe Markers: 💻 Open Source, 🔥 Hot

Experience Level: Senior

Job Description

Role

Lead and scale Databricks’ UK Forward Deployed AI Engineering (AI FDE) team to deliver professional services engagements that build and productionize GenAI and ML applications for enterprise customers. Drive team development, account strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to influence product and GTM priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Hire, mentor, and build a high-performing AI/ML professional services team and team structure to support growth and scaled execution
• Manage a portfolio of key EMEA accounts, develop executive relationships (VP+, CIO/CDO), and act as a trusted advisor during complex AI transformations
• Align with Field Engineering and Sales leaders to define joint strategies and ensure coordinated delivery across functions
• Lead strategic AI professional services initiatives, practice development, and standardised delivery processes for repeatability
• Shape cross-functional collaboration by surfacing voice-of-customer insights to Product, R&D, and GTM teams
• Own OKRs for AI-services-led accounts, revenue, utilisation, and public references
• Represent Databricks as a thought leader in AI/ML

Requirements

• Extensive experience managing, hiring, and scaling teams of data scientists and ML engineers, including developing scalable processes and leaders
• Proven ability to scope, guide, and sell technical engagements, manage escalations, and ensure successful enterprise delivery
• Deep technical expertise in machine learning and GenAI with ongoing curiosity to stay current in the field
• Experience delivering production ML solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Track record of developing strategy with senior executive stakeholders to define program-level goals and align technical vision
• Demonstrated cross-functional leadership collaborating with Sales, Product, and GTM teams
• Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline or equivalent practical experience

Preferred

• Experience in a customer-facing consulting or professional services leadership role
• Experience working with Databricks

Location & Reporting

Location: London, United Kingdom. Role is remote for candidates based in the United Kingdom region only (not remote from other countries). Reports to the Director, AI FDE.

Benefits

Region-specific benefits are provided (details vary by location).

Tech Stack

Databricks, Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, Unity Catalog, AWS, Azure, GCP

Skills

Leadership, Team Building, Hiring, Mentoring, Stakeholder Management, Executive Communication, Strategic Planning, Customer-facing Consulting, Professional Services Delivery, Program/Project Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Delivery Management, OKR Management, Escalation Management, Product Influence, Machine Learning/GenAI expertise