Head of Enterprise AI & Analytics

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced leader to head the AI & Analytics division at a pioneering pharmaceutical company based in Frankfurt. This permanent role involves driving a cutting-edge enterprise-wide semantic layer initiative that enables business units to interact with data using large language models, independent of a single technology vendor. This position offers a unique opportunity to build a transformative AI infrastructure integral to drug discovery and enterprise decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a large team of around 100 professionals, including 60 direct reports and 40 external collaborators.
• Oversee six specialized leaders across data science, AI platforms, analytics, and organizational AI skill development.
• Champion and operationalize a company-wide AI platform facilitating rapid drug discovery applications.
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments to align AI initiatives across multiple departments beyond direct scope.
• Ensure high availability, reliability, and governance compliance within a regulated pharmaceutical context.

Required Experience and Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in a large, matrixed corporate organization.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role (Head, Director, or VP) in Data Science or AI within a large enterprise of over 10,000 employees.
• Substantial background in Pharma, Life Sciences, or related sectors such as chemical manufacturing or other heavy industries.

Additional Context

This role combines high-level technical leadership with significant political and strategic skills to influence and unify multiple stakeholders around a shared AI vision. Candidates will join a mature AI-literate environment with broad access to over 60 large language models and robust platform infrastructure. The position requires managing a live, mission-critical AI platform where uptime is as critical as innovation and ensuring compliance with strict data governance in a highly regulated industry.

This is a confidential executive search with exclusive recruitment rights.