Head of AI & Digital - Nestlé R&D Deep Tech Center

Nestlé seeks a Head of AI & Digital for its R&D Deep Tech Center in Orbe, CH. This senior leadership role defines global AI strategy, drives digital innovation, and leads a multidisciplinary team within a state-of-the-art research environment.

The company is looking for a senior leader to define and execute its global AI and digital strategy across research and development. Operating within a unique Deep Tech environment, this position holds high visibility and is responsible for translating emerging technologies into strategic priorities, roadmaps, and measurable business outcomes while leading the Digital & AI function.

Responsibilities

• Establish and steer the AI and digital strategy for R&D, converting new technologies into actionable priorities, roadmaps, and measurable results.
• Manage a high-impact strategic portfolio with an end-to-end perspective, ensuring tangible value across innovation, manufacturing, and consumer applications.
• Accelerate project execution, moving concepts from idea to deployment and integrating AI, digital tools, and analytics into core R&D workflows.
• Develop and activate a global ecosystem of tech companies, startups, academic partners, and external experts.
• Lead and empower a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, ownership, and continuous skills development.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in AI, digital innovation, or transformation, with a track record of delivering large-scale business impact.
• Strong technical credibility in AI / machine learning, process modelling & simulation or computational science.
• Demonstrated ability to define strategy and lead execution end-to-end, with full ownership of high-impact initiatives.
• Strong business acumen, translating technology and data investments into measurable value creation (growth and efficiency).
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leadership in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Experience in building and leading high-performing teams and capabilities at scale.
• A well-established external network across AI, digital innovation, startups, technology partners and academia.

What the company offers

• Flexible working options, including hybrid work possibilities
• Paid holidays beyond legal requirements
• Learning and development opportunities to grow your career
• Performance based bonus
• Healthcare contribution and access to the Employee Assistance Program
• Strong employer contribution to your pension plan
• Generous parental leave and comprehensive family support solutions
• Attractive employee discounts across various products and services

About the company

Nestlé places people at the core of everything it does, committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience. The company ensures its workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture.

• People-centric approach
• Inclusive and respectful hiring
• Fully accessible workplaces
• Strong safety culture