Managing Director - Data & AI

Founded in 2017, Unit8 is a fast-growing Swiss AI and data analytics consulting and services company dedicated to solving complex problems of traditional industries like automotive, chemical, financial services, manufacturing and pharma. We work with some of the biggest organisations in Europe to solve the challenges that directly affect their business - be it operations, finance, manufacturing or R&D. Since our foundation, we have successfully delivered more than 400 projects and have grown to 175+ talented individuals across 7 office locations.

Unit8’s mission is to drive the adoption of AI and Data Science in the non-digital industries and to help accelerate their digital transformation. Among its activities, Unit8 dedicates a part of its resources and time on projects that deeply matter to us - that includes collaboration on pro-bono and “engineering for good” causes.

• Significant experience in Data & AI consulting with a clear and verifiable track record of personally originating and closing major client relationships
• Currently at Principal or Associate Partner / Director level or equivalent with commercial track record and client ownership
• Ability to "speak Tech" with understanding of data architecture and AI to raise delivery standards and earn respect of engineers
• Established network of senior client relationships in the DACH market, ideally in pharma, insurance, or chemicals
• Fluent in English and German; French is a meaningful advantage
• Comfortable with traveling, including on-site engagements in the US (up to 5 weeks)

• Build and convert a pipeline of high-value opportunities in the DACH market — primarily in pharma, insurance, or chemicals — through a network earned over years of credible work in data & AI
• Sell from expertise by understanding client problems through deep problem solving skills and experience
• Stay embedded in delivery to set the right pace, challenge client assumptions, and keep teams focused on the actual business problem
• Bridge the gap between senior data scientists and C-suite conversations by translating technical constraints into strategic decisions and vice versa
• Raise the delivery bar by knowing what good looks like and holding teams to that standard
• Leverage existing network to source, shape, and close high-value engagements in the DACH region
• Translate complex business problems into concrete Data & AI solutions and hold clients accountable to realizing value
• Lead and shape complex, tech-enabled transformations from early problem definition through to scaled delivery
• Act as senior point of contact for key clients throughout delivery, ensuring technical execution stays anchored to business value
• Challenge clients on scope, pace, and ambition when necessary
• Work closely with engineering and data science teams, providing business context, removing blockers, and coaching them