# Operations: Transformation Strategist

> Coastal Wave Recruiting · United States (Remote) · Full-time · Posted 2026-06-15

**Salary:** USD 200,000–250,000

**Workplace:** remote

**Department:** Operations

## Description

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

**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.

## 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

## Benefits

Salary & equity (0,05-0.25%)

## Apply

[Apply at Coastal Wave Recruiting](https://apply.workable.com/coastal-wave-recruiting/j/8713C7B5E7/apply)

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