Managing Director, Data & AI - Pharma

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. You can learn more about what we are passionate about at and on our you can find more useful information about our business and recruiting process.

Are You the Leader We're Looking For?

As Managing Director at Unit8, you won't just close deals — you'll be a cornerstone of how we grow and deliver Data & AI transformation for pharma clients across the DACH market. As we reorganize into verticals and horizontals, this role sits at the center of our pharma vertical: you own both sides of the equation — originating high-value client relationships and ensuring delivery actually moves the needle. If you've built your career at the intersection of commercial impact and technical credibility in life sciences, and you're ready to operate with real autonomy in an expert-led environment, this is the role.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

This is a senior leadership position for someone as comfortable originating a complex engagement as overseeing its delivery — with pharma as a main focus. You shape and close the deal, build relationships and trust with pharma decision-makers, and stay close enough to ensure technical execution delivers real value. You will succeed by:

• Building and converting a pipeline of high-value opportunities in DACH pharma — through a network earned over years of credible data & AI work in the sector
• Selling from expertise: pharma clients engage with you because you understand their regulatory, R&D, and commercial challenges firsthand — not because you have a polished pitch
• Staying embedded in delivery long enough to set the right pace, challenge client assumptions, and keep teams focused on the actual business problem
• Bridging the gap between data scientists/engineers and a pharma C-suite conversation — translating technical constraints into strategic decisions and vice versa
• Raising the delivery bar by knowing what good looks like in pharma data & AI, and holding teams to that standard

What You'll Do

• Leverage your existing pharma network to source, shape, and close high-value engagements in DACH (new logos, not just expansions)
• Translate complex pharma business problems — from R&D data strategy to commercial analytics to regulatory-grade AI — into concrete Data & AI solutions, and hold clients accountable to realizing that value
• Lead and shape complex, tech-enabled transformations across the pharma value chain — from early problem definition through scaled delivery — ensuring technology choices serve the business outcome, not the other way around
• Act as the senior point of contact for key pharma clients throughout delivery, keeping technical execution anchored to business value
• Challenge clients when necessary — on scope, pace, and ambition
• Work closely with our engineering and data science teams (a horizontal you'll draw on across verticals), providing pharma business context, removing blockers, and coaching them

Requirements

Who You Are

You've run complex, tech-enabled transformations in pharma — from a top-tier global consultancy or a specialist data & AI firm. You've navigated high-stakes, ambiguous engagements through to delivery, with the results to show for it.

• Significant experience in Data & AI consulting for pharma/life sciences, with a clear and verifiable track record of personally originating and closing major client relationships in the sector
• Currently at Principal or Associate Partner / Director level — or equivalent — with the commercial track record and client ownership, looking for the next step
• You don't need to write code, but you must "speak Tech" — understanding data architecture and AI well enough to raise our delivery bar and earn the respect of world-class engineers
• An established network of senior client relationships in DACH pharma
• Fluent in English. German and/or French (nice to have)
• Comfortable traveling, including e.g. on-site engagements in the US (up to 5 weeks)

Benefits

What's In It For You

At Unit8, we don't just "turn data into value" — we empower the people who make it happen. If you are looking for a place where you can say, "I am independent and I take ownership", your next chapter starts here.

• Trust from Day One: We believe in your expertise, and trust is a core part of our culture.
• Work that Matters: You will do things that matter, and together we will facilitate the work of others.
• Passion-Led Projects: We create an environment where you can pursue your passion alongside great talent. If the future makes you excited, you belong here.
• Impact: You will be part of our leadership team and have a direct hand in shaping how Unit8 grows in the DACH market — defining our commercial approach, influencing which industries and clients we focus on, and setting the standard for how we deliver. This is not an execution role inside a fixed strategy; you help write it.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Flexibility & Growth: Above-the-norm flexibility on where and when you work, with up to 10% of your time dedicated to learning and pro-bono projects.
• Connection & Fun: Whether it's our cross-office off-sites, online events, or a dedicated quarterly team budget for after-work activities, we make sure we stay connected.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. If you meet the qualifications and are excited about the opportunity to contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply.

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