Role: Transformation Strategist
Location: Remote (EST)
Our client is a fast-growing AI enterprise startup transforming how large retail and CPG organizations operate. They are hiring their first US-based Transformation Strategist - a founding team member who will own the customer transformation journey end-to-end, from building the business case for operational change to ensuring AI-driven process improvements actually stick inside large enterprises.
The Opportunity
This is a rare founding team role for a seasoned transformation leader who is tired of making recommendations that disappear into a void. You will work at the C-level and board level, connect AI platform capabilities directly to income statement impact, and turn pilots into company-wide rollouts through demonstrated ROI. You will assemble and manage Forward Deployed Engineer teams, run steering committees, and build executive proof packs that convert skeptics into champions.
This is not a PowerPoint strategy role. This is end-to-end ownership of business transformation at some of the largest retail and CPG enterprises in the world.
What You'll Do
- Own the customer transformation roadmap and drive measurable business outcomes for retail and CPG enterprise clients
- Work at C-level and board level to connect AI platform capabilities to direct income statement impact
- Assemble and manage teams of Forward Deployed Engineers for each customer engagement
- Build business cases, run steering committees, and present executive proof packs to C-suite and board stakeholders
- Drive expansion within accounts - turning pilots into company-wide rollouts through demonstrated ROI
- Operate as a founding US team member, helping define how the company shows up for enterprise customers at scale
Ideal Candidate Archetypes
Archetype 1 - MBB or Big 4 Consulting McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or Big 4 at Engagement Manager or Principal level. Has led process transformation engagements in retail, CPG, or FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) verticals. Comfortable owning client relationships independently and presenting to COOs, CFOs, and boards without support.
Archetype 2 - AI Deployment Strategist 4-6 years as a Deployment Strategist at Palantir, Sierra, Decagon, or a comparable AI company with a heavy deployment and business development motion. Has taken AI platform pilots to company-wide rollouts inside large enterprises.
Archetype 3 - Operator + Consultant Strategy role at a large retailer or CPG company combined with consulting experience. Has direct exposure to category management, supply chain, trade terms, or finance operations - and knows how these organizations make decisions from the inside.
Key Requirements
- 4-8 years of experience in management consulting or enterprise deployment strategy roles serving retail and CPG clients
- Real retail, CPG, or FMCG industry experience - either through consulting engagements or as an operator
- Proven C-level stakeholder management - credible presenting to COOs, CFOs, and boards independently
- Business case structuring and ROI measurement - can build outcome-based proof packs for executive audiences
- Experience with enterprise process transformation programs spanning multiple business units
- Familiarity with automation or AI platform deployments (RPA, workflow tools, or similar) preferred
- Hungry, driven, and comfortable operating in an early-stage environment without a fully defined playbook
- Business-focused mindset - this is not a technical or engineering role