deepset Skill Mapping

Role Explorer

Select a function and career level to see all expected skill proficiencies.

Function

Career Level

PROFICIENCY SCALE:

0 – N/A

1 – Foundational

2 – Developing

3 – Proficient

4 – Advanced

5 – Transformational

Select a function and level to explore skills.

Internal Mobility Map

Select a role to find the most skill-adjacent functions — useful for lateral moves, stretch roles, or development conversations.

Current Function

Current Level

Compare At Level

Select a function and level to explore mobility paths.

Skill Library

Browse all 31 skills across 9 categories. Click any skill to see its definition and where it's expected across functions.

Skill Assessment

Select a role, rate each skill for the person you're assessing, and get a diagnosis against the framework expectations.

Function

Career Level

Person's name (optional)

Select a function and level to start the assessment.

Reference

Definitions for the proficiency scale and career levels used throughout this framework.

🎯 Proficiency Scale (1–5)

Foundational

Learning with guidance and structured support.

Executes defined tasks with regular check-ins. Learns through observation and feedback.

Developing

Applying skills independently in standard situations.

Works independently on typical tasks. Produces consistent quality with occasional guidance.

Proficient

Fully operating at this level; meets all expectations.

Handles complexity end-to-end without guidance. Consistent, reliable quality. Recognized as dependable go-to resource.

Advanced

Exceeds standard expectations; navigates high complexity, coaches others.

Leads the most complex work. Actively raises team capability. Shapes how the skill is applied locally.

Transformational

Sets the standard; drives innovation; recognized beyond the organization.

Defines how the skill is practiced org-wide. Drives step-change innovation. Externally recognized. Creates leverage for others.

🏗️ Career Levels

Contributor Track (IC)

Contributor — Entry

Just starting out. Executes defined tasks with guidance. Building core skills.

Contributor — Developing

Working independently on standard tasks. Growing scope and judgment.

Senior Contributor Reference level

Fully operating benchmark. Handles complexity end-to-end. The reference level for calibration.

Staff Contributor

Leading complex, cross-cutting work. Shaping practices and standards within function.

Expert Track (Deep Specialist)

Expert

Deep domain specialist. High proficiency in core skills. Recognized internally as the go-to.

Senior Expert

Sets the standard for a skill org-wide. Transformational in their domain. May mentor others.

Leader Track (People Manager)

Team Lead / Manager

First-level people manager. Coaches a small team, owns delivery, builds capability.

Senior Manager

Multi-team scope. Shapes team culture and practices. Owns function-level outcomes.

Director

Org-level strategy and headcount ownership. Influences cross-functional decisions.

VP / Head of

Executive scope. Sets direction for the entire function. Drives company-level impact.