Managing Director, Data & AI - Pharma

Unit8 SA seeks a Managing Director for Data & AI in the Pharma sector based in Zürich. This senior role combines business development with delivery leadership to drive AI transformation within the DACH pharmaceutical industry.

This senior leadership position sits at the core of the pharmaceutical vertical, responsible for both originating client relationships and ensuring successful delivery of Data & AI transformations across the DACH market. The incumbent will shape and close complex engagements with industry decision-makers, ensuring that technical execution translates into tangible business value.

Responsibilities

• Leverage existing professional networks to identify, develop, and secure high-value projects within the DACH pharmaceutical sector.
• Convert intricate pharmaceutical business challenges into actionable Data & AI strategies while maintaining client accountability.
• Guide and lead technology-driven transformations throughout the pharmaceutical value chain.
• Serve as the primary senior liaison for key pharmaceutical clients during the implementation phase.
• Push clients to refine their project scope, accelerate timelines, and increase ambition levels.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and data science teams, offering business context and mentorship.
• Develop and convert a robust pipeline of significant opportunities in the DACH pharma market.
• Act as a bridge between technical teams and C-suite executives, facilitating high-level strategic conversations.
• Enforce high standards for delivery quality within pharmaceutical data and AI initiatives.

Requirements

• Proven track record in Data & AI consulting for the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry, specifically in originating and closing major client deals.
• Current standing at Principal, Associate Partner, Director level, or an equivalent senior position.
• Sufficient understanding of data architecture and AI principles to challenge technical teams and earn their respect.
• An established network of relationships with senior stakeholders in the DACH pharmaceutical sector.
• Fluent proficiency in English.
• Willingness to travel, including potential on-site engagements in the United States for up to five weeks.

Nice to have

• Fluency in German and/or French.

What the company offers

• Immediate autonomy and trust based on professional expertise.
• A competitive compensation package.
• Exceptional flexibility regarding work location and hours.
• Up to 10% of working time allocated for learning initiatives and pro-bono projects.
• Regular cross-office off-sites, online events, and a quarterly team budget for social activities.
• Direct influence on the company's growth strategy in the DACH market and its commercial approach.

About the company

Unit8 SA is a rapidly expanding Swiss consulting firm specializing in AI and data analytics, focused on solving complex problems within traditional industries. The organization is dedicated to accelerating digital transformation by driving the adoption of AI and Data Science in non-digital sectors. It fosters an expert-led environment that grants significant autonomy to its professionals and actively supports engineering for good initiatives.

• Fast-growing Swiss AI and data analytics consulting firm.
• Mission to drive AI adoption in traditional industries.
• Commitment to pro-bono and engineering for good causes.
• Expert-led environment with real autonomy.