Delivery Manager

ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today. YOUR MISSION Serve as the critical interface between internal development and external partners, ensuring seamless project execution through proactive stakeholder management. You will be the orchestrator of mission success, navigating complex operational landscapes to deliver high-performance autonomous systems into the hands of those who need them. You will take full ownership of the customer experience by leading the end-to-end lifecycle of system demonstrations—from strategic preparation and field execution to comprehensive post-event analysis. This is a high-stakes role requiring a unique blend of technical rigor and strategic communication to maintain our technological edge in contested environments. RESPONSIBILITIES Stakeholder Management & Communication * Strategic Interface: Serve as the primary point of contact for international defense stakeholders, navigating complex technical, regulatory, and procurement-related discussions with precision across multi-national projects. * Alignment: Ensure internal engineering teams and external stakeholders are perfectly synchronized on project goals, delivery timelines, and technical requirements. * Reporting: Prepare concise, high-level documentation and updates for executive leadership and external partners to maintain transparency and momentum. Demonstration & Event Management * End-to-End Execution: Own the lifecycle of system demonstrations, from logistical planning and site preparation to on-site field execution and live systems operation. * Field Operations: Lead "boots on the ground" activities, ensuring that STARK technology performs flawlessly in demanding, real-world conditions. * User Engagement: Manage the interface with end-users during demonstrations, providing professional polish while gathering critical technical insights. Project Execution & Timeline Control * Mission Tracking: Drive the execution of the Virtus program using Jira and Confluence, ensuring every milestone is met and potential blockers are cleared proactively. * Operational Readiness: Manage the transition of systems from the warehouse to the field, ensuring all hardware and software components are mission-ready. * Resource Coordination: Allocate internal resources effectively to meet delivery deadlines without compromising on technical quality or safety. Quality Assurance & Feedback Loop * Continuous Improvement: Capture critical user feedback from the field and translate it into actionable engineering requirements to drive rapid product iteration. * Compliance: Ensure all delivery and demonstration activities adhere to the rigorous quality, safety, and security standards of the defence industry. Your First 12 Months Timeframe Focus Month 0–1: Learn & Align Develop a deep understanding of the Virtus system architecture, its technical capabilities, and current development status. Shadow engineering leads and current delivery workflows to understand stakeholder expectations and operational pain points. Month 1–3: Establish Ownership Take lead on external communication with key partners and international authorities. Introduce structure into demonstration planning and start owning the coordination of field operations. Ensure that every stakeholder has a transparent view of the delivery roadmap. Month 3-6: Drive Field Execution Lead the end-to-end execution of high-visibility system demonstrations. Transition from shadow to primary operator, managing on-site logistics, technical validation, and user feedback cycles. Become the primary interface that turns customer needs into engineering direction. Month 6–12: Scale & Optimize Strengthen the delivery framework to support increasing customer demand. Refine the 'demo-to-delivery' operating system to ensure mass-scalable deployment. Influence the long-term Virtus product strategy by providing high-fidelity field data and strategic market insights. QUALIFICATIONS * Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical), Business, or a related field. A background in military technology or aerospace is a significant advantage. * IT Proficiency: Professional experience with Jira and Confluence; expert-level proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office for high-end reporting and communication. * Mindset: Extreme ownership of the system lifecycle, a hands-on "boots-on-the-ground" mentality, and the ability to thrive in lean, fast-paced environments where you build structure from ambiguity. * Languages: German (C2/Native) and English (C1/C2) are mandatory for navigating complex discussions with German authorities and international stakeholders.

Elastic, the Search AI Company, enables everyone to find the answers they need in real time, using all their data, at scale — unleashing the potential of businesses and people. The Elastic Search AI Platform, used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500, brings together the precision of search and the intelligence of AI to enable everyone to accelerate the results that matter. By taking advantage of all structured and unstructured data — securing and protecting private information more effectively — Elastic’s complete, cloud-based solutions for search, security, and observability help organizations deliver on the promise of AI. WHAT IS THE ROLE Elastic’s Professional Services team works across every technology and system to deliver solutions for our customers. The Delivery Manager plays a key role in the project delivery of Elastic services and helps ensure our growing customer base receives high-quality, successful implementations. This position will work with the services team to service our global customers on billable projects. Our customers include Fortune 100 companies, startups, government entities, and nonprofits solving some of the world's most exciting search, observability, and cybersecurity challenges. The Delivery Manager will be a customer-facing role responsible for leading project delivery in the region, supporting revenue goals, facilitating communications, meetings, and reporting. Success in this role will be measured by customer satisfaction and project delivery outcomes. WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING * Complete Elastic training and become proficient in our Outcome Based Delivery Methodology and practices * Support engagement execution from start to finish: identifying and mitigating risk, providing status reporting, and managing operational tasks * Collaborate with Services sellers, architects, consultants, third-party partners, and customers * Contribute to delivery methodology improvements and share lessons learned to enhance our services practice * Partner with Customer Success and Account Executives to support account renewals and add-on opportunities * Manage a portfolio of multiple engagements, varying in size, through strong prioritization and time management * Travel 20-40% of the time WHAT YOU BRING * 5–8 years of consulting or professional services delivery experience * Experience managing customer engagements from start to finish, including planning, execution, and reporting * Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks * Change management and problem-solving experience * Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment * Familiarity with Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools * Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or equivalent experience * PMP, Scrum Master, or Agile certifications preferred * Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment * Leadership skills: * * Passion: Committed to customer success and quality delivery * Learning Mindset: Approaches challenges with curiosity and openness * Team Player: Collaborative, supportive, and enjoyable to work with * Adaptable: Comfortable with change and uncertainty * Trust: Upholds company values and builds trust with customers and peers * Results-Oriented: Moves projects forward and drives business value Compensation for this role is in the form of base salary.  This role does not have a variable compensation component.   The typical starting salary range for new hires in this role is listed below.  In select locations (including Seattle WA, Los Angeles CA, the San Francisco Bay Area CA, and the New York City Metro Area), an alternate range may apply as specified below.  These ranges represent the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the ranges may be modified in the future.   An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. Elastic believes that employees should have the opportunity to share in the value that we create together for our shareholders. Therefore, in addition to cash compensation, this role is currently eligible to participate in Elastic's stock program.  Our total rewards package also includes a company-matched 401k with dollar-for-dollar matching up to 6% of eligible earnings, along with a range of other benefits offered with a holistic emphasis on employee well-being. The typical starting salary range for this role is: $94,300—$149,200 USD The typical starting salary range for this role in the select locations listed above is: $113,300—$179,200 USD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - WE TAKE CARE OF OUR PEOPLE As a distributed company, diversity drives our identity. Whether you’re looking to launch a new career or grow an existing one, Elastic is the type of company where you can balance great work with great life. Your age is only a number. It doesn’t matter if you’re just out of college or your children are; we need you for what you can do. We strive to have parity of benefits across regions and while regulations differ from place to place, we believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. * Competitive pay based on the work you do here and not your previous salary * Health coverage for you and your family in many locations * Ability to craft your calendar with flexible locations and schedules for many roles * Generous number of vacation days each year * Increase your impact - We match up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and service * Up to 40 hours each year to use toward volunteer projects you love * Embracing parenthood with minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave Different people approach problems differently. We need that. Elastic is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. We welcome individuals with disabilities and strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all individuals. To request an accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email candidate_accessibility@elastic.co. We will reply to your request within 24 business hours of submission. 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