Product Manager, Machine Learning

Role

The Product Manager for Machine Learning is responsible for establishing the product vision, creation of roadmaps and delivery for machine learning projects at Foundry supporting Foundry’s overall product strategy. This role bridges Foundry Research efforts and the commercial product portfolio, supporting AI/machine learning initiatives across Foundry’s current products, as well as new product development and potentially funded research projects.

Working with the Applied ML team and Research team, the scope of the role includes the Catwalk/CopyCat framework and it’s deployment in Nuke and other Foundry products (not limited to .cat file conversion, Inference performance, and strategies for model deployment), as well as building the tool sets that form the foundation of ML-led next gen VFX workflows. The Product Manager will also own investigations and potential productization of new ML technologies and support spread of related knowledge across the business. 

The Product Manager- Machine Learning will combine a keen understanding of creative workflows and pipelines within the M&E space, along with the technical and business savvy to develop and deliver successful product initiatives. You will lead through strong influencing skills with the ability to communicate well with all areas of the company, and enjoy collaborating with others while also owning delivery of cross-product initiatives. 

The Product Manager-Machine Learning will report to the Principal Product Manager for ML.

• Degree in VFX, Animation, Engineering, Machine Learning or Computer Science  

• 3+ years of product management experience or 5+ years of experience in VFX or animation production in a technology management or creative leadership role

• Excellent knowledge of media production workflows and tools, especially compositing, knowledge of ingest, editing, asset creation and other areas a bonus

• Experience working with AI/ML in a media production environment, or strong, demonstrable interest in emerging AI toolsets and their implementation

• Excellent knowledge of software development and demonstrated technical aptitude; experience in R&D and productization of new technologies ideal

• Experience collecting requirements, prioritizing work and communicating progress across multiple teams and senior stakeholders

• Proven leadership and project management ability, excellent business judgment, and the ability to develop trusted relationships

• Self-starter with the maturity to work independently with a strong sense of urgency and reputation for producing the highest quality of work

• Curious nature, constantly seeking out new information and skills

• Proven track record as a creative and strategic thinker with the ability to drive to clear decisions

• Strong analytic skills and a record of measuring and analyzing results

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to travel as needed

• This role is based in our London office or remotely in a timezone with significant overlapping hours with London. 

• Develop and maintain an expert understanding of AL/ML applications in media production, and specifically post production.

• Development of the product vision and product strategy for current and new ML initiatives with support from the Principal Product Manager for ML, Director of Research and wider product management team and through spending time in the market, competitive analysis, customer feedback and other market analysis as appropriate.

• Conduct market research, including recruiting and then interviewing users to understand current workflows, pain-points and feature requirements. Effectively communicating and findings back to the wider team. 

• Translate product strategy into a roadmap of features and requirements that add value to existing and potential users, grow market share and improve customer experience across the product line.

• Balance the deployment of effort and compute resources to serve both short term deliverables and longer term strategic objectives.

• Own delivery of various projects and initiatives that support all aspects of the business in delivering product success, such as creating and reviewing marketing content, developing sales tools, presenting at events, coordinating delivery of releases, and supporting customer support and development processes. 

• When required represent the product management team internally and externally including trade shows, media events, and customer meetings.

• Act as an Agile product owner across up to 2 scrum teams when needed:  

  • Act as a subject matter expert for development team and product designers, clearly defining and communicating customer and business objectives, target use cases and additional context to assist the team in successfully delivering the feature roadmap. 

  • Own and maintain the team’s product backlog to reflect priority changes and addition of new features 

  • Attend and be the voice of the customer in all relevant meetings, sprint planning, and sprint retrospectives

  • In partnership with the Team Lead and Senior QA, understands technical requirements, tracks progress and team efficiency, and removes blocks to successful delivery.

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays

• Pension scheme & life assurance

• Health cash plan & medical insurance

• Season ticket loan

• Company’s social events

• Gym Discounts

• Personal Annual Development Time

• Passion Days

• Anniversary Day off



THE COMPANY.

Foundry has a heritage of more than 25 years, developing creative software for the Media and Entertainment industry. Its portfolio of award-winning products solves complex visualization challenges to turn incredible ideas into reality. 

Working with creative leaders around the globe, Foundry products are used to create breathtaking visual effects and animation and have been integral in the making of every VFX Academy Award-winning film for the past decade.

For more information visit www.foundry.com

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We know that creating an inclusive environment that values and encourages different perspectives is critical for our success, and the success of our people. We are learning, listening and taking action to be better and foster trust in our community. Our goal is to ensure every person working at Foundry feels safe and free to be themselves, to share their ideas or concerns and that there is equal access to opportunities for all.