Managing Director - Data & AI

About Unit8

Unit8 was established in 2017 as a rapidly expanding Swiss consultancy and services firm focused on AI and data analytics. The company supports traditional sectors such as automotive, chemicals, financial services, manufacturing, and pharma in solving complex business challenges across operations, finance, production, and research and development. With more than 400 successfully delivered projects and a team of 175+ people across 7 office locations, Unit8 works with major organisations in Europe to accelerate their digital transformation.

Unit8’s purpose is to speed up the adoption of AI and data science in non-digital industries. The company also sets aside time and resources for initiatives that matter to it, including pro-bono work and engineering-for-good efforts.

Role overview

This senior leadership role is about more than winning business. As Managing Director, you will help shape how Unit8 grows and delivers in the DACH market by combining commercial leadership with delivery oversight. You will be expected to originate important client relationships, close opportunities, and remain close to engagements so the technical work continues to deliver real business impact. The role suits someone who has built a career at the intersection of commercial results and technical credibility, and who is comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy in an expert-led setting.

What success in this role looks like

• Developing and converting a strong pipeline of high-value opportunities in the DACH region, especially across pharma, insurance, and chemicals, through relationships built over years in data and AI.
• Winning clients through subject-matter depth and practical problem solving rather than through polished sales messaging.
• Staying engaged with delivery long enough to set direction, question assumptions, and keep teams focused on the business problem that matters.
• Acting as the bridge between senior technical teams and executive stakeholders by translating complex technical realities into strategic choices and vice versa.
• Improving delivery quality by setting clear standards for what good looks like and ensuring teams meet them.

Key responsibilities

• Use your existing network to source, shape, and close major new-logo engagements in the DACH market.
• Turn complicated business challenges into practical Data & AI solutions, ensuring the team works toward measurable value and that clients stay accountable for delivering on their side.
• Guide complex, technology-enabled transformation work from early problem framing through scaled implementation, making sure technology decisions support the business outcome.
• Serve as the senior client contact during delivery and keep execution tied to business value.
• Push back when needed on scope, speed, and ambition to keep engagements realistic and effective.
• Partner closely with engineering and data science teams by adding business context, clearing blockers, and coaching where needed.

Requirements

• Substantial experience in Data & AI consulting, with a proven personal record of originating and closing major client relationships.
• Current or recent senior-level position such as Principal, Associate Partner, Director, or an equivalent role with strong commercial ownership.
• Hands-on familiarity with data architecture and AI concepts, sufficient to engage technically, challenge delivery appropriately, and earn credibility with experienced engineers.
• A well-developed network of senior stakeholders in the DACH market, ideally within pharma, insurance, or chemicals.
• Fluency in both English and German.
• French language skills are an advantage.
• Willingness to travel, including on-site work in the US for up to 5 weeks.

Benefits

• Strong trust in your expertise from the start.
• The chance to work on meaningful initiatives that create real impact.
• Opportunities to contribute to passion-driven projects alongside talented colleagues.
• A leadership seat with direct influence over Unit8’s growth strategy, target industries, client focus, and delivery standards in the DACH market.
• A competitive compensation package.
• Flexible working conditions, including above-average freedom over where and when you work.
• Up to 10% of your working time allocated to learning and pro-bono work.
• Regular opportunities to stay connected through cross-office off-sites, online events, and a quarterly team budget for after-work activities.

Equal opportunity

Unit8 welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and experiences and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where people can thrive. Applicants who meet the requirements and are excited about the opportunity are encouraged to apply.