Managing Director, Data & AI - Pharma

About Unit8

Established in 2017, Unit8 is a rapidly expanding Swiss company specializing in AI and data analytics consultancy and services. We serve traditional sectors such as automotive, chemical, financial services, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals across Europe. Our team has successfully executed over 400 projects and grown to 175+ professionals working across seven offices. Our mission is to promote AI and Data Science adoption in legacy industries, accelerating their digital transformation, supported by pro-bono and socially impactful initiatives.

Role Summary

The Managing Director role at Unit8 centers on spearheading Data & AI transformations within the pharmaceutical sector across the DACH region. This position combines strategic business development with hands-on delivery oversight, ensuring our solutions drive tangible impact for pharma clients. This senior leadership role requires a balance between client acquisition, managing complex engagements, and mentoring teams to deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize an established pharma network to identify, develop, and secure high-value opportunities within the DACH pharmaceutical market, targeting new client acquisition.
• Convert intricate pharma business challenges including R&D data strategies, commercial analytics, and regulatory-grade AI into practical Data & AI implementations.
• Lead extensive technology-driven transformations along the pharmaceutical value chain, from initial problem articulation to full-scale delivery, ensuring alignment with critical business objectives.
• Serve as the principal liaison for key pharma clients throughout project execution, maintaining a strong focus on business outcomes while bridging technical and executive perspectives.
• Constructively challenge clients on project scope, delivery timelines, and ambition levels to enhance engagement success.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and data science teams, providing industry context and fostering effective problem-solving and coaching.

Candidate Profile

• Proven leadership in managing complex, technology-enabled pharma transformations within leading global consultancies or specialized data & AI firms.
• Demonstrated success in Data & AI consulting with a defined record of originating and closing significant pharma client relationships.
• Currently positioned at Principal, Associate Partner, or Director level with demonstrated commercial ownership seeking advancement.
• Strong technical literacy in data architecture and artificial intelligence, capable of engaging confidently with engineering teams despite not coding themselves.
• Well-connected within the DACH pharma sector at senior client levels.
• Fluent English proficiency required; German and/or French skills are advantageous.
• Willing and able to travel, including potential onsite assignments in the US for up to five weeks.

Benefits and Culture

• High degree of trust granted from the start, empowering independent ownership.
• Opportunity to contribute meaningful work that advances client and company goals.
• Environment supporting passion-driven projects and personal growth.
• Direct leadership role influencing the strategic direction and commercial approach within the DACH market.
• Competitive salary package aligned with senior leadership roles.
• Exceptional flexibility regarding work location and schedule, including dedicated time for learning and pro-bono efforts.
• Engagement in team-building events and community activities fostering connection and enjoyment.

Inclusion Statement

We encourage applications from diverse candidates, committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.