WEKA is architecting a new approach to the enterprise data stack built for the AI era. The WEKA® Data Platform sets the standard for AI infrastructure with a cloud and AI-native software solution that can be deployed anywhere. It transforms legacy data silos into data pipelines that make GPUs, AI, and other performance-intensive workloads run faster, work more efficiently, and consume less energy.
WEKA is a pre-IPO, growth-stage company on a hyper-growth trajectory. We’ve raised $375M in capital with dozens of world-class venture capital and strategic investors. We help the world’s most innovative enterprises and research organizations, including 12 of the Fortune 50, reach discoveries, insights, and outcomes faster and more sustainably.
We’re passionate about helping our customers overcome complex data challenges to accelerate their innovation and help grow their businesses. If you share our passion, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.
We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Products Operation & Program Management to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive successful operational initiatives for the Products Org. This role will be responsible for tracking organization-wide objectives and key results (OKRs), overseeing New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, and managing the operational plan for our Products organization. In this role the individual will also be operating as a Chief of Staff to the Chief Products Officer. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in business management, data analytics, and cross-functional leadership, coupled with technical program management expertise. An MBA and prior experience in management consulting are highly valued for this role.
Key Responsibilities
Cross-Functional Leadership:
- Lead strategic cross-functional initiatives to enhance operational execution of the products organization and foster alignment across diverse teams.
- Partner with key stakeholders across products, engineering, marketing, pre-sales engineering, sales, and customer success to ensure alignment on initiatives, priorities, and outcomes.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CPO and executive teams, providing strategic input and operational support.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Leadership
- Oversee and drive the NPI process, ensuring the successful and timely roll out of new products and initiatives.
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive project plans, timelines, and deliverables for new products, key initiatives and delivery of major features tied to strategic and time-sensitive customer opportunities.
Program Management & Operational Planning
- Lead the operational planning cycle for the products organization, aligning cross-team activities to achieve key milestones.
- Monitor, track, and report on progress against the product roadmap, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timely delivery of key initiatives.
Business Management & Data Analytics
- Leverage data analytics to support decision-making, track progress, and drive strategic initiatives.
- Collaborate with the data and analytics team to define key metrics, create dashboards, and generate insights that inform business and product decisions.
- Contribute to business management activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and tracking organizational performance metrics.
OKR Development & Management
- Define, track, and manage organization-wide OKRs to ensure alignment across the product organization and drive towards strategic goals.
- Work with stakeholders to establish, refine, and measure the success of OKRs, ensuring accountability and progress throughout the product teams.
Process Optimization & Operational Efficiency
- Continuously identify opportunities to streamline product operations, optimize workflows, and enhance efficiency.
- Implement best practices for project execution, communication, and process optimization.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in product operations, program management, business management, or technical program management roles, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional programs within product-led or technology-driven organizations.
- Prior leadership experience focused on business management and data-driven decision-making.
- Proven ability to lead and scale product operations and program management functions effectively.
- Strong organizational and program management skills, capable of overseeing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with NPI processes and a deep understanding of product development lifecycles.
- Proficiency in data analytics, with the ability to extract actionable insights from complex data sets.
- Strong business acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across different functions and organizational levels.
- Analytical and strategic thinker adept at translating data into insights to drive business outcomes.
- Proactive, results-driven leader who excels in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; an MBA or equivalent experience in management consulting is a significant plus.
Concerned that you don’t meet every qualification above?
Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every qualification specified. At WEKA, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this position but are concerned that your past work experience doesn’t match up perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway – you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at WEKA.
WEKA is an equal-opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
