Head of Forward Deployed Engineering, M&A Group

Company Description

IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 7000+ employees on all continents. Our leading AI technology is the backbone of our award-winning enterprise software solutions, enabling our customers to be their best when it really matters–at the Moment of Service™. Our commitment to internal AI adoption has allowed us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring our colleagues can unlock their creativity and productivity, and our solutions are always cutting-edge.

At IFS, we’re flexible, we’re innovative, and we’re focused not only on how we can engage with our customers but on how we can make a real change and have a worldwide impact. We help solve some of society’s greatest challenges, fostering a better future through our agility, collaboration, and trust.

We celebrate diversity and understand our responsibility to reflect the diverse world we work in. We are committed to promoting an inclusive workforce that fully represents the many different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints of our customers, our partners, and our communities. As a truly international company serving people from around the globe, we realize that our success is tantamount to the respect we have for those different points of view.

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to be part of a global, diverse environment; you will be joining a winning team with a commitment to sustainability; and a company where we get things done so that you can make a positive impact on the world.

We’re looking for innovative and original thinkers to work in an environment where you can #MakeYourMoment so that we can help others make theirs. With the power of our AI-driven solutions, we empower our team to change the status quo and make a real difference.

If you want to change the status quo, we’ll help you make your moment. Join Team Purple. Join IFS.

About the M&A Group

The IFS M&A Group acquires and scales high-growth enterprise software companies. The deal engine — led by the Group COO — sources, evaluates, and closes acquisitions. The post-close operating team, led by the CRO, drives revenue and EBITDA performance across the portfolio.

Today, the group manages a growing set of portfolio companies (PortCos) across industrial asset management, connected worker, warehouse management, and adjacent sectors.

The group runs a disciplined operating rhythm: weekly forecast calls, daily End Race calls during close periods, bi-weekly CEO forums, quarterly business reviews, and an annual sales kickoff. A team of cross-portfolio functional leaders in finance, operations, marketing, AI, and talent delivers hands-on support to every PortCo.

Job Description

As the portfolio grows, so does the opportunity to improve how customer value is defined, quantified, and sold.

The Head of Presales is a newly created, senior cross-portfolio role with a clear mandate:
to build and embed world-class Solution Consulting and value engineering capability across the portfolio.

This is a hands-on role focused on driving meaningful change within PortCos, rather than developing centralised frameworks that sit outside the business. Value engineering is the primary gap today, and you will be responsible for building and scaling this capability.

Reporting into the M&A Group (via CRO/COO), you will partner closely with PortCo Sales Leaders, Solution Consulting leaders, and the broader operating team.

Key Responsibilities

Value Engineering (Core Priority)

• Build and embed value engineering capability across the portfolio, including ROI modelling, business case development, and economic impact quantification
• Ensure customer value is consistently articulated, evidenced, and tied to commercial outcomes
• Develop practical frameworks and tools that can be adopted and sustained within PortCos

Embedding Capability in PortCos

• Focusing on priority PortCos where value engineering can have the greatest impact
• Work directly within these businesses to embed discipline, not overlay from a distance
• Scale successful approaches across the broader portfolio

Presales Excellence

• Elevate solution consulting standards across the portfolio, including qualification, demo strategy, and deal preparation
• Coach solution consulting teams on live opportunities and support strategic customer engagements
• Improve consistency and quality of presales execution

Cross-Portfolio Collaboration

• Partner closely with sales and solution consulting leaders within each PortCo
• Build credibility and influence in a decentralised, multi-stakeholder environment
• Contribute insight and structure into the group’s operating cadence (QBRs, CEO forums, forecast reviews)

AI-Enabled Presales

• Actively apply AI to improve presales productivity and effectiveness
• Support teams in adopting AI-enabled approaches to solution positioning, demo execution, and value modelling
• Establish practical, scalable use of AI across the portfolio

Presales & Value Engineering Expertise

• Strong command of ROI modelling, business case development, and economic value articulation
• Ability to quickly identify gaps in value positioning within live deals and implement practical improvements
• Experience developing and embedding repeatable presales frameworks (e.g. qualification, demo strategy, messaging)

Leadership & Collaboration

• Hands-on leader who is comfortable working within live deals and customer engagements
• Able to build trust and influence across decentralised organisations without formal authority
• High levels of judgement, credibility, and coaching capability

AI Orientation

• Actively using AI to enhance presales effectiveness today
• Able to translate AI capability into practical application within presales teams
• Comfortable driving adoption of AI-enabled ways of working

Qualifications

What Success Looks Like

• Value engineering is fully embedded in priority PortCos, with clear frameworks and strong local adoption 
• Consistent use of ROI models and business cases across strategic deals
• Improved conversion rates and deal quality, driven by stronger value articulation and presales discipline
• Solution consulting teams demonstrate higher and more consistent standards in preparation and execution
• AI is actively used within presales workflows, improving both productivity and engagement quality
• A repeatable, scalable presales and value engineering model deployed across the portfolio

Experience

• Extensive experience in enterprise software presales / Solution Consulting, with a proven track record delivering complex, value-led opportunities
• Experience leading Solution Consulting or Presales teams (team lead, manager, or director level)
• Proven experience building or scaling presales and/or value engineering capability
• Strong experience in relevant industry verticals, with the ability to apply that expertise across a range of adjacent industries

Additional Information

What We're Offering:

• Flexible paid time off, including sick and holiday
•  Medical, dental, & vision insurance
•  401K with Company contribution
•  Flexible spending accounts
•  Life insurance and disability benefits
•  Tuition assistance
•  Community involvement and volunteering events

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Equal Opportunity Employer