Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering

Overview

Databricks is transforming the capabilities organizations have with data and AI. As the unified platform behind the most ambitious data-driven companies worldwide, it operates at the crossroads of cloud migrations, AI-driven transformations, and real-time intelligence. This role of Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering based in Sydney leads a team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers driving this evolution by partnering with strategic enterprise clients across Australia, helping them adopt the lakehouse architecture, design AI and GenAI systems, and maximize long-term data value.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage and expand a high-performing technical team, setting standards for excellence and substantial customer impact.
• Collaborate with ASX100 companies across varied sectors to architect and execute critical initiatives including large-scale data migrations, legacy modernization, generative AI, MLOps, and AI agent deployments.
• Ensure superior delivery quality and build frameworks for governance and strategic oversight that help scale the team effectively.
• Direct regional performance including billable utilization, recruiting, and growth, while ensuring exceptional customer delivery across the ANZ Forward Deployed Engineering portfolio.
• Lead pivotal enterprise projects by working alongside Account Executives and Field Engineering leadership to deliver transformative professional services programs.
• Establish and maintain operational rigor with best practices for project management, risk control, and quality assurance within the RSA and AI Engineering teams.
• Serve as an escalation point for significant customer issues, using technical insight and leadership judgment to safeguard critical relationships and resolve conflicts.
• Mentor and develop Resident Solutions Architects and AI Engineers fostering a culture of innovation, mastery, and career growth.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• A minimum of four years in leadership roles managing high-caliber technical delivery teams, solution architects, or professional services units, with a success record in cultivating cultures centered on excellence.
• At least five years of hands-on experience as a solutions architect or data/AI engineer, equipping you to provide expert guidance and coaching.
• Proven experience leading extensive data platform migration and AI/ML initiatives in enterprise settings across industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, telecommunications, or energy.
• Strong executive presence with the capability to manage complex customer relationships and influence C-level stakeholders effectively.
• Working knowledge of Databricks, Apache Spark™, MLflow, Delta Lake, or familiarity with comparable modern data and AI platforms, with hands-on experience preferred.

About Databricks

Databricks powers more than 20,000 organizations globally, including top brands in various industries, with its Data + AI Platform. Headquartered in San Francisco but with over 30 global offices, Databricks offers advanced technologies such as Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, and Unity Catalog.

Employee Benefits and Diversity Commitment

The company provides comprehensive benefits tailored to employee needs by region. Databricks cultivates an inclusive culture that ensures equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, abilities, or other protected statuses.

Compliance Notice

For roles requiring access to export-controlled technologies or source code, employer discretion applies regarding government licensing and applicant processing.