Fractional AI · 1 month ago
Forward Deployed Product Manager
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$160K/yr - $210K/yr
4+ years expFractional AI builds bespoke GenAI software to transform businesses, working with notable clients to create impactful AI applications. The Forward Deployed Product Manager will engage with customers to define and deliver AI-powered solutions, managing the relationship and execution from discovery to deployment.
Information TechnologyInternet
Responsibilities
Own the customer relationship end-to-end
Act as the customer’s day-to-day strategic partner and primary point of contact
Join early-stage calls, run discovery, synthesize feedback, and keep customers aligned on what we’re building and why
Build trusted relationships across all levels of an organization, setting clear expectations and being candid about tradeoffs
Define product builds, refine and sequence scope, and identify the highest-leverage use cases
Translate ambiguous business problems into crisp problem statements, user journeys, and success metrics
Work with customers to define what 'success' actually means—then design experiments, KPIs, and dashboards to prove it
Translate ambiguous customer needs into clear requirements, PRDs, and plans for engineers
Shape workflows, edge cases, evaluation criteria, and deployment success metrics for AI-powered systems
Sit in the loop with engineering: prioritization, tradeoffs, testing, evals, and launches
Run the day-to-day execution rhythm: stand-ups, planning, check-ins, risk/issue tracking, and runway management
Coordinate between customers, engineers, designers, and other Fractional teammates to keep projects unblocked and moving
Own timelines and delivery quality—getting projects across the finish line consistently and calmly, even when things change late
Jump on early, messy conversations where the 'project' is still a vague idea
Help founders and sales tease out real pain, sketch solution approaches live, and scope engagements that we can actually deliver
Spot expansion opportunities and help turn successful deployments into broader, long-term partnerships
Work with client teams on rollout, enablement, and change management—so the systems you build actually get used
Monitor performance, gather qualitative and quantitative feedback, and push for improvements where they matter most
Bring back insights and patterns that inform Fractional’s internal playbooks, tooling, and product direction
When requirements are fuzzy, data is messy, or customers change course, you’ll break the problem down and guide everyone toward the highest-impact solution
Be the person in the room who can say, 'Here’s what we’re actually trying to do, here’s what we know, here’s the plan.'
Qualification
Required
Customer-facing, High-stakes Experience: You've led projects where customers were under pressure, stakeholders weren't aligned, and the path wasn't obvious
Real Product & Delivery Experience: You've built and shipped products or services in partnership with engineers and designers—ideally across multiple cycles
Structured problem-solving and communication: You ask good questions, structure chaos, and turn ambiguity into a plan
Bias for action and ownership: You roll up your sleeves and make things happen, whether that's writing a scrappy SQL query, drafting a support playbook, or jumping into a last-minute exec demo
Experience Range: Typically 4–8 years in product, consulting, implementations, or any role where execution and customer trust mattered more than your job title
Comfort with ambiguity and intensity: You like high-energy environments, messy problems, and 'we haven't done this before' projects
AI curiosity, not AI dogma: You don't need deep AI expertise on day one. You do need curiosity, strong reasoning, and a desire to learn fast—and to overuse AI in your own workflow
Benefits
401k with Matching: Invest in your future with our company-matched retirement plan.
Unlimited PTO: Take the time you need to relax and rejuvenate.
Exceptional Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health benefits to keep you and your family healthy.
Health FSA: Manage out-of-pocket health expenses effectively.
Commuter Benefits: Make your travel to work easier and more affordable.
Life Insurance: Providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Team Events and Activities: Regular events to build camaraderie and a strong team spirit.
Company
Fractional AI
Fractional AI builds bespoke gen AI software to transform businesses.
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Fractional AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase