General Manager, Data & AI - Pharma

• 31 July 2026 • 100% • Indefinite term • Zürich Founded in 2017, Unit8 is a fast-growing Swiss AI and data analytics consulting and services company, dedicated to solving complex problems in traditional industries such as automotive, chemical, financial services, manufacturing and pharma. We work with some of the largest organizations in Europe to tackle the challenges that directly affect their business - whether it be operations, finance, manufacturing or R&D. Since our inception, we have successfully completed more than 400 projects and have grown to include more than 175 talents across 7 sites. Unit8's mission is to promote the adoption of AI and data science in non-digital industries and to accelerate their digital transformation. Among its activities, Unit8 devotes part of its resources and time to projects that are deeply close to our hearts - this includes collaborating on pro bono causes and "engineering for good". You can learn more about our passions on and about our you will find more useful information on our activity and our recruitment process. Are you the leader we are looking for? ### As General Manager at Unit8, you will not just be closing deals - you will be a cornerstone of our growth and the Data & AI transformation for pharmaceutical clients in the DACH market. As we reorganize into verticals and horizontals, this role sits at the heart of our pharma vertical: you master both aspects - originating high-value client relationships and ensuring that delivery truly makes a difference. If you have built your career at the intersection of business impact and technical credibility in life sciences, and you are ready to operate with full autonomy in an expert-led environment, this position is for you. What does success look like in this role ### This is a senior leadership position for someone comfortable both initiating a complex engagement and overseeing its delivery - with pharma as the main focus. You shape and close the deal, build relationships and trust with pharmaceutical decision-makers, and stay close enough to ensure technical execution brings real value. You will succeed by: • Building and converting a pipeline of high-value opportunities in DACH pharma - through a network acquired over the years by credible work in data & AI in the sector • Selling from expertise: pharmaceutical clients engage with you because you understand their regulatory, R&D and commercial challenges firsthand - not because you have a polished pitch • Staying involved in delivery long enough to set the right pace, challenge client assumptions and keep teams focused on the real business problem • Bridging the gap between data scientists/engineers and a conversation with pharma management - translating technical constraints into strategic decisions and vice versa • Elevating the level of delivery by knowing what good looks like in pharmaceutical data & AI, and holding teams to that standard What you will do ### • Leverage your existing pharmaceutical network to source, shape and close high-value engagements in the DACH region (new clients, not just extensions) • Translate complex pharmaceutical business problems - from R&D data strategy to commercial analytics to regulatory-compliant AI - into concrete Data & AI solutions, and hold clients accountable for realizing that value • Lead and shape complex, technological transformations throughout the pharmaceutical value chain - from early problem definition to large-scale delivery - ensuring that technological choices serve the business outcome, and not the other way around • Act as a senior point of contact for key pharmaceutical clients throughout delivery, keeping technical execution anchored in business value • Challenge clients when necessary - on scope, pace and ambition • Work closely with our engineering and data science teams (a horizontal that you will mobilize across verticals), providing pharmaceutical business context, removing obstacles and coaching them Who you are ### You have led complex and technological transformations in pharma - from a top-tier global consulting firm or a specialized data & AI company. You have successfully led high-stakes and ambiguous engagements through to delivery, with supporting results. • 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 a commercial and client management track record, seeking the next step • You do not need to code, but you must "speak Tech" - understanding data and AI architecture well enough to elevate our level of delivery and earn the respect of world-class engineers • An established network of senior client relationships in DACH pharma • Mastery of English. German and/or French (a plus) • Comfortable with travel, including for example on-site missions in the USA (up to 5 weeks) What this brings you ### Ch