Managing Director - Data & AI

About Unit8

Unit8 was established in 2017 as a rapidly expanding Swiss consultancy focused on AI and data analytics. The company helps traditional sectors such as automotive, chemicals, financial services, manufacturing, and pharma solve difficult business problems across operations, finance, manufacturing, and research and development. With more than 400 completed projects and 175+ team members across 7 office locations, Unit8 is committed to accelerating AI and Data Science adoption in non-digital industries and supporting broader digital transformation. The company also dedicates time and resources to pro-bono and engineering-for-good initiatives.

Role Overview

Unit8 is looking for a senior Managing Director to take ownership of growth and delivery in the DACH market. This role combines commercial leadership with delivery oversight: you will bring in high-value opportunities, build trusted client relationships, and remain close to engagements to ensure the work creates measurable business impact. It suits someone who has built a career at the intersection of commercial results and technical credibility and who can operate with autonomy in an expert-led environment.

What Success Looks Like

• Developing and converting a strong pipeline of high-value DACH opportunities, especially in pharma, insurance, or chemicals, through a network developed over years in data and AI.
• Winning clients through subject-matter depth and practical problem-solving rather than polished sales language.
• Remaining involved in delivery long enough to set direction, challenge assumptions, and keep teams focused on the core business issue.
• Acting as the bridge between technical teams and senior executives, translating constraints into decisions and business priorities into technical action.
• Setting a high delivery standard and ensuring teams work to it.

Key Responsibilities

• Use your existing network to identify, shape, and close major engagements in the DACH region, with a focus on new logo business rather than only existing accounts.
• Turn complex business challenges into practical Data & AI solutions, making sure the team is building toward meaningful value and holding the client accountable for achieving it.
• Lead technology-enabled transformation work from early problem framing through scaled delivery, ensuring technology choices support the business goal.
• Serve as the senior client contact throughout delivery so that execution remains tied to business outcomes.
• Push back on clients when needed regarding scope, timing, and ambition.
• Partner closely with engineering and data science teams by providing business context, clearing blockers, and coaching them.

Requirements

• Strong background in Data & AI consulting with proven personal experience originating and closing major client engagements.
• Current or recent senior-level position such as Principal, Associate Partner, Director, or an equivalent level with clear commercial ownership.
• Ability to understand technology deeply enough to discuss data architecture and AI credibly, even without writing code.
• Established senior network in the DACH market, ideally across pharma, insurance, or chemicals.
• Fluency in both English and German; French is an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel, including assignments on-site in the US for up to 5 weeks.
• Experience leading complex, technology-driven transformations from ambiguity to delivery, ideally gained in a top-tier global consultancy or specialist data and AI firm.

Benefits

• High trust from day one, with confidence placed in your expertise and judgment.
• Meaningful work that contributes to real business outcomes and supports others in doing their best work.
• Opportunities to pursue passion-led projects alongside strong colleagues.
• A leadership role with direct influence over Unit8’s commercial direction, target industries, client focus, and delivery standards in the DACH market.
• Competitive compensation.
• Strong flexibility in where and when you work, plus up to 10% of your time for learning and pro-bono initiatives.
• Regular opportunities to connect through off-sites, online events, and a quarterly team budget for social activities.

Additional Information

Unit8 welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and experiences and is committed to building an inclusive workplace where people can thrive. Applicants who match the requirements and are excited by the opportunity are encouraged to apply.