Derek Wankel

Derek Wankel builds product operations programs and AI tools at Instacart, including launch-readiness agents, backlog prioritization and customer-feedback classification. He established its product enablement program and retailer feedback processes. Previously, he led digital product commercialization, shared services and retail solutions at Catalina.

Career

Cosigned byLoading...

CosignedSign in to view

Based in: Kirkland

Instacart

Senior Manager, Product Operations
Mar 2025 — Present
Kirkland, Washington, United States
Manager, Product Operations
Apr 2022 — Mar 2025
Seattle, Washington, United States

Catalina USA

Director, Product & Retail Solutions (Digital Technology, Marketing & Advertising Solutions)
2018 — Apr 2022
Seattle, Washington, United States
Senior Program Manager (Digital Products & Mobile Commerce Development/Launch)
Jan 2013 — Jan 2016
Seattle, Washington, United States
Director, Media Planning (Global Consumer Marketing)
Jan 2011 — Jan 2013
Schaumburg, Illinois, United States
Sales Account Specialist
Jan 2006 — Jan 2008

University of Central Florida

Bachelor's studies in marketing

Products & media

linkedin.com

Designing career paths beyond management

Derek argues that AI-enabled operations teams need senior individual-contributor roles with real scope, clear authority and credible advancement. He explains why adding titles alone does little to change how careers work.

Profile name

Company name

Company name

Profile name

Company name

Company name

Profile name

Company name

Company name

Profile name

Company name

Company name

Profile name

Company name

Company name

Derek Wankel

Instacart

Senior Manager, Product Operations

Manager, Product Operations

Catalina USA

Director, Product & Retail Solutions (Digital Technology, Marketing & Advertising Solutions)

Senior Program Manager (Digital Products & Mobile Commerce Development/Launch)

Director, Media Planning (Global Consumer Marketing)

Sales Account Specialist

University of Central Florida

Products & media

Designing career paths beyond management

Curated Lists

List Inclusions