Industrial AI Forward Deployed Strategist

About the role

As an Industrial AI Forward Deployed Strategist, you will lead the strategic transformation of manufacturing enterprises through Sight Machine's category-defining Manufacturing Data Platform. You will be the product manager and strategic architect for complex client engagements, defining use cases, orchestrating delivery, and ensuring AI-enabled solutions drive measurable business outcomes for some of the world's most iconic manufacturers and technology providers, including industry leaders like Microsoft, Siemens, and Databricks.

Responsibilities

• Own deep understanding of manufacturing operations, industry dynamics, competitive landscape, and client strategic objectives
• Define and prioritize use cases based on business value, feasibility, and strategic alignment with enterprise transformation goals
• Lead persona development and journey mapping to ensure solutions address real operational challenges and user needs
• Maintain long-term strategic vision for client relationships, identifying expansion opportunities and ensuring scalable solution design
• Translate complex manufacturing challenges into AI-enabled solution strategies that deliver measurable ROI
• Guide clients through digital transformation journeys, managing change at organizational, process, and technology levels
• Build trusted advisor relationships with C-suite executives, plant leadership, and operational stakeholders across complex manufacturing organizations
• Navigate multi-layered organizational dynamics, managing competing priorities and political considerations across operations, IT/OT, data science, and business intelligence functions
• Facilitate executive alignment on transformation priorities, success metrics, and investment decisions
• Communicate strategic vision, progress updates, and business value realization to senior leadership with clarity and impact
• Manage escalations and resolve business/political issues that could derail delivery
• Orchestrate complex project delivery across multiple parallel workstreams, ensuring coordination, visibility, and timely execution
• Manage project boards, tracking systems, and reporting rhythms that maintain transparency across all stakeholders
• Lead status meetings, facilitate decision-making, and maintain project momentum through proactive issue resolution
• Ensure nothing falls through the cracks by maintaining comprehensive oversight of dependencies and deliverables
• Work with Forward Deployed Engineers to translate business requirements into technical specifications and validate feasibility
• Arbitrate scope and priority decisions, making strategic trade-offs based on business value and resource constraints
• Design user-centric AI-powered workflows and applications that address operational gaps and drive adoption
• Iterate rapidly with end users to validate solutions match actual needs, workflows, and deliver measurable value
• Bridge the gap between what users need and what gets built, ensuring solutions align with strategic intent and use case priorities
• Work with the Product team to scale developed solutions and contribute to platform capability evolution
• Maintain focus on user adoption and value realization, measuring success through business outcomes rather than technical deliverables
• Apply deep understanding of AI/ML capabilities to manufacturing use cases, identifying high-impact opportunities for predictive analytics, optimization, and intelligent automation
• Collaborate with data science teams to design advanced analytics that solve real manufacturing problems
• Communicate AI/ML concepts and value propositions to non-technical stakeholders, building confidence and driving adoption
• Stay current on Industrial AI trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, bringing thought leadership to client engagements

Requirements

• 7-10 years of professional experience with significant time in manufacturing operations, industrial technology, or management consulting focused on manufacturing
• Deep domain expertise in manufacturing processes, operations management, and manufacturing technology ecosystems
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships at executive levels within global manufacturing organizations
• Strong strategic thinking and business analysis skills with demonstrated ability to translate operational challenges into solution strategies
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence across technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience orchestrating complex multi-workstream projects with strong organizational and prioritization capabilities
• Understanding of AI/ML applications in industrial contexts and ability to articulate value propositions to business stakeholders
• Track record of driving business transformation through technology enablement

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with data platforms, analytics tools, or Industrial IoT technologies (helpful, but not required)
• Background in data science, industrial engineering, or operations research (helpful, but not required)
• Experience with digital transformation initiatives at enterprise scale (helpful, but not required)
• Familiarity with Azure-based data platforms and cloud infrastructure (helpful, but not required)
• MBA or advanced degree in engineering, operations, or related field (helpful, but not required)
• Prior consulting experience with top-tier strategy or technology firms (helpful, but not required)

Benefits + Perks

• Competitive Salary + Stock Options
• Health Care Coverage + Life Insurance + Health Savings Account + Flexible Spending Account (includes spouse + children)
• Flexible Vacation Policy
• Adaptable Working Schedule and Environment
• Casual Dress Attire
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Catered Lunches, Snacks and Beverages
• Commuter Savings Program
• Company Outings
• Designated Volunteering Hours + Group Volunteer Events

Pay

The pay range for this role is: 150,000 - 200,000 USD per year (Hybrid (San Francisco, California, US))

Schedule

Professional Services

Hybrid (Ann Arbor, Michigan, US)

Hybrid (San Francisco, California, US)