Forward Deployed Product Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Fractional AI

Fractional AI builds bespoke gen AI software to transform businesses. We work with customers like Zapier, Airbyte, and Change.org to build their high-impact gen AI applications.

Every C-suite in the country is trying to bridge the gap between AI in theory and AI in practice. We close this gap with exceptional engineering talent and custom end-to-end AI builds (see some of our case studies to learn more).

We’re profitable, scaling fast, and focused on solving the hardest problems in applied AI.

About the role

Our customers come to us with problems they want to solve – things like make content moderation less cumbersome, make it easier to build 3rd party integrations, make customer service better and cheaper. You are responsible for turning these problems into deployed AI solutions.

This role is about working directly with customers to understand their biggest problems, then guiding a team of engineers to build AI solutions that actually solve them. You’ll be the one keeping everything on track — making sure the right thing gets built, the project runs smoothly, and customers see real results. And you’ll do this across dozens of AI builds, quickly becoming an expert in applied AI.

What you’ll do :

Own the day-to-day customer relationship : Join calls, capture feedback, and keep customers informed so there’s always clarity between what’s promised and what’s being built.

Drive product execution and ownership : Translate customer needs into clear requirements, PRDs, and roadmaps. Work hand-in-hand with engineers and designers to make sure the right thing gets built and built well.

Make it happen, whatever it takes : Track milestones, unblock teams, and push projects across the finish line — overdelivering on impact and ensuring customers see real results.

What you bring to the table :

You’ve managed customer relationships : You know what customers care about and how to communicate with them through good times and bad.

You’ve built products : From gathering requirements to working with engineers, you know how to turn customer needs into real solutions.

You do what it takes to deliver : You roll up your sleeves, stay resourceful, and make sure the job gets done.

You have 4–8 years of experience : You’ve built your career in professional services and / or product roles where execution and customer trust mattered the most.

Snapshot of your first 30 days :

You’ve jumped into your first customer project and quickly taken ownership of the day-to-day.

You’re running discovery sessions, turning customer needs into clear plans for engineers, and learning everything you can about the customer and their needs.

You’re leading daily stand ups, tracking milestones, and keeping delivery on track.

You’ve led high-stakes moments, like demoing to the client’s CTO.

You’ve already kicked off your second project in a completely different industry.

And you’ve become part of all things Fractional AI — from weekly Project Lunch & Learns to our monthly Happy Hour.

Why you should (and shouldn’t) join us

We believe in transparency and know joining a company is a big decision. We’re not the best fit for everyone and try to be clear on what we are and what we’re not so you make the choice that’s right for you.

Why join Fractional?

A front-row seat to the AI revolution : In one year at Fractional AI, you will have led many 0-to-1 gen AI builds for leading companies, quickly becoming an expert in applied AI.

A huge and growing problem space : Getting gen AI into production is the challenge of our time – with legacy consulting firms already driving several billion dollars per year on genAI advising revenue. Most offerings on the market don’t meet the need – they are one size fits all product solutions or advising services without the engineering team to deliver. We offer the engineering talent to meet the need.

A team of veteran founders : The team is built from multi-time founders and co-founded by Travis May, former CEO of LiveRamp and founder + former CEO of Datavant.

Why you shouldn't join?

We are unapologetically building an engineering-first culture. This is how we build the team to meet the moment. We overdeliver for our clients by crafting a culture that enables the best engineers to thrive.

We are a professional services business. Building for clients and their customers is distinctly different from building for your own product’s customer or users. It’s not for everyone.

We are in-person. We’re committed to building an in-person team in our San Francisco and NYC offices. This enables us to learn faster together. For the right person, this is a pro, not a con, but it’s non-negotiable.

Our Values

We overdeliver.

We overuse AI.

We “over engineer” the culture.

Location

San Francisco, CA or NYC offices (4 days in-person, Fridays remote)

Benefits

🏦 Competitive Compensation Package : Attractive salary aligned with your experience and skills.

📈 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.