Managing Director - Data & AI

About the job

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 a Managing Director at Unit8, success isn't just about closing deals — it's about becoming a cornerstone of how we grow and deliver in the DACH market. You will own both sides of the equation: originating high-value client relationships and ensuring the work we deliver actually moves the needle for our clients. If you've built your career at the intersection of commercial impact and technical credibility, 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. You shape and close the deal, build relationships and trust, and you stay close enough to ensure the technical execution actually delivers value. You will succeed by:

• Building and converting 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
• Selling from expertise: clients engage with you because you understand their problem because of your deep problem solving skills and experience 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 a senior data scientist and a C-suite conversation — translating technical constraints into strategic decisions and vice versa
• Raising the delivery bar by knowing what good looks like and holding teams to that standard

What You'll Do

• Leverage your existing network to source, shape, and close high-value engagements in the DACH region (new logos, not just expansions)
• Translate complex business problems into concrete Data & AI solutions: identify where value can be created, make sure the team is building toward it, and hold the client accountable to realising it
• Lead and shape complex, tech-enabled transformations — from early problem definition through to scaled delivery — ensuring the right technology choices serve the business outcome, not the other way around
• Act as the senior point of contact for key clients throughout delivery, ensuring technical execution stays anchored to business value
• Challenge clients when necessary — on scope, pace, and ambition
• Work closely with our engineering and data science teams, providing business context, removing blockers and coaching them.

Who You Are

You've run complex, tech-enabled transformations — perfectly from a top-tier global consultancy or a specialist data & AI firm. You have navigated high-stakes, complex engagements from ambiguity to delivery — and have the results to show for it.

• You have significant experience in Data & AI consulting, with a clear and verifiable track record of personally originating and closing major client relationships
• You are currently at Principal or Associate Partner / Director level — or equivalent — with the commercial track record and client ownership, looking for the next step in your career.

• You don’t need to write code, but you must "speak Tech." You understand data architecture and AI well enough to raise our delivery bar and earn the respect of world-class engineers.
• You bring an 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).

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.