Deployment Principal
London
Deployment /
Full-time /
On-site
WovenLight is creating a new category of investment firm. We combine traditional private equity investing with deep capabilities in AI and machine learning - in order to drive outsized value creation at our portfolio companies. Our north star is sustainable, repeatable, outsized returns for the benefit of our partners, investors, and colleagues.
During H1 2025, WovenLight has taken decisive steps towards making our vision a reality.
- We have executed on our first two deals - partnering with leading PE firms to co-sponsor investments. For more details, please see our current portfolio at https://www.wovenlight.com/portfolio
- Entered into a strategic partnership with leading European PE firm – Altor. Through this partnership, WovenLight acts as an AI transformation partner to Altor and its portfolio companies. For more details, please see https://www.wovenlight.com/perspectives/altor-advances-ai-leadership-through-a-strategic-partnership-with-wovenlight
To execute our mission we are building an integrated team of world class data, investment, technology and operations professionals.
Role overview
WovenLight Deployment Principals are commercially focused leaders who have expertise and passion for AI and ML driven value creation. They lead WovenLight teams from a business/commercial perspective as we deliver two types of projects. i) Diagnostic projects that evaluate the value creation potential at target companies / portfolio companies. ii) Deployment projects that execute on the identified value creation opportunities using our deep AI/ML capabilities
The role is fast-moving, varied and context dependent but on all projects, it is likely that our Deployment Principals are leading on:
- Scoping and leading successful projects – both pre-acquisition diagnostics and post acquisition execution projects
- Stakeholder management and communications – often across multiple levels within a portfolio company; and one or more sponsors/owners
- Leading change management activities at portfolio companies – overcoming typical ‘last mile’ challenges of user education/adoption
- Supporting portfolio companies with wider analytics and AI topics (e.g. organisation/operational model decisions)
- Tracking the impact of WovenLight work and attributing financial value creation
Examples of projects you could work on include:
- Helping a company/sponsor position for sale by creating a roadmap of future AI/data value creation opportunities (Sell side diagnostic)
- Leading rapid ‘outside in’ evaluation of value creation potential at a target company (Buyside diagnostic)
- Optimisation modelling to improve manufacturing throughput (Deployment)
- Predictive modelling to anticipate/avoid asset downtime (Deployment)
- Predicting and reducing customer churn (Deployment)
- Identifying next best action for sales agents (Deployment)
- Geospatial modelling to improve store footprint (Deployment)
Capabilties and experiences
Business Leadership and Stakeholder Management
Proven experience leading commercial transformations (4+ years) with strong track record of driving adoption of new technologies or processes
Exceptional stakeholder management skills including experience educating senior leadership on the value of data/analytics initiatives and winning hearts and minds across organizations
Change management expertise with a demonstrated ability to drive organizational adoption
Business acumen with strong commercial understanding gained as an Engagement Manager at a consulting firm, Product Manager at a technology company, or similar business-focused role
Technical (ML, AI, Software Development) Understanding
Solid understanding of analytics concepts sufficient to communicate effectively with technical teams and translate business requirements, but not requiring deep technical expertise (you can rely on Applied Engineering colleagues for technical depth)
Experience working with technical teams including Data Scientists, Engineers, and ML specialists, with ability to guide technical direction from a business perspective
Solution architecture awareness to understand how technical solutions fit into broader business systems and processes
Focus on the WHAT not the HOW - you ensure business impact and commercial outcomes while technical colleagues handle implementation details
Commercial and Financial Acumen
Strong business understanding spanning multiple industries and value chain functions, enabling you to identify and articulate value creation opportunities
Financial literacy including familiarity with investing and corporate finance principles, allowing you to work effectively with commercial professionals and quantify the financial impact of initiatives
Value attribution expertise with ability to measure, track, and communicate the business impact of analytics and AI deployments
Interpersonal and communication excellence supporting your ability to build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across organizations (portfolio companies, investors, partners)
Our core team is based in London. Interviews for this role will be conducted via a combination of phone, video-conference and in person.
WovenLight is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis as protected by applicable law.
