Head of Forward Deployed Engineering, M&A Group

IFS•Atlanta, GA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a newly created, senior cross-portfolio role within the IFS M&A Group, with a clear mandate to build and embed world-class Solution Consulting and value engineering capability across the portfolio. The role is hands-on, focused on driving meaningful change within portfolio companies (PortCos) by building and scaling value engineering capabilities. The Head of Presales will report into the M&A Group (via CRO/COO) and partner closely with PortCo Sales Leaders, Solution Consulting leaders, and the broader operating team. The primary focus is on value engineering, including ROI modeling, business case development, and economic impact quantification, ensuring customer value is consistently articulated and tied to commercial outcomes. The role also involves elevating solution consulting standards, coaching teams, and applying AI to improve presales productivity and effectiveness.

Requirements

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).
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.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
Focus 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.
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.
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).
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.