Senior Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering (UAE)

Databricks is the unified platform that powers data and AI transformation for over 20,000 organizations globally, including 70% of the Fortune 500. The company operates the Lakehouse architecture alongside tools like Unity Catalog and MLflow, enabling enterprises to build and scale data-driven applications at scale. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco with over 30 offices worldwide and continues to expand its presence across regions including the Middle East.

The UAE-based Forward Deployed Engineering team at Databricks is seeking a Senior Manager to lead technical delivery and drive regional impact. In this role, you will oversee a team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers, working directly with enterprise customers on large-scale data modernization, AI platform buildouts, and next-generation generative AI initiatives. You will balance people leadership with strategic account partnerships, ensuring delivery excellence while scaling the organization's technical practice across the region.

What you'll do

• Lead a high-performing team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers, setting standards for technical excellence and customer outcomes while managing regional performance targets around utilization and growth

• Partner with Account Executives and Field Engineering leaders to architect and execute transformational programs for enterprise customers, spanning data platform migrations, legacy system modernization, MLOps implementations, and AI agent deployments

• Establish and enforce delivery governance frameworks, project oversight practices, and quality standards that ensure consistent execution and measurable business impact across all engagements

• Serve as the executive escalation point for critical customer situations, drawing on technical credibility and leadership experience to resolve high-stakes issues and protect strategic relationships

• Mentor and develop technical talent through structured career pathways, coaching, and a culture focused on continuous growth and mastery

What you'll bring

• Proven experience managing technical delivery teams, solution architects, or professional services organizations with a track record of building excellence-driven cultures

• Substantial hands-on background as a technical solutions architect or data and AI engineer, providing the credibility to coach senior practitioners and support complex technical work

• Demonstrated success leading large-scale data platform migrations and AI/ML programs within enterprise environments across multiple industry sectors

• Strong executive presence and stakeholder management skills, with experience operating in complex customer environments and influencing at the C-suite level

• Familiarity with the modern data and AI ecosystem, with hands-on experience in Databricks, Apache Spark, MLflow, Delta Lake, or competing platforms highly valued

Nice to have

• Direct experience with the Databricks platform or knowledge of competitor solutions in the lakehouse space

What they offer

• Comprehensive benefits and perks tailored to your region

• Opportunity to work with the world's leading enterprises on transformational data and AI initiatives

• Position based in the United Arab Emirates for candidates willing to relocate or already located there