AI Innovation Lead (m/f/d)

Job description

Job Description As AI Innovation Lead (m/f/d), you will define and lead the artificial intelligence strategy for our Germany business. Working across multiple therapeutic areas, franchises, and commercial functions, you will identify opportunities where AI can create measurable business value through better customer engagement, stronger insights, increased productivity, and accelerated execution. As a member of the Germany Digital, Data & Analytics Leadership Team, you will lead a team of AI specialists and collaborate closely with business, regional, and global stakeholders to scale innovative AI solutions that support both portfolio growth and future launches. Key Responsibilities What you will do • Define and execute the AI innovation strategy for Germany aligned with business priorities and enterprise direction. • Identify, prioritize, and scale AI opportunities that improve customer engagement, commercial effectiveness, operational efficiency, and decision making. • Build and manage a portfolio of AI solutions across machine learning, generative AI, and emerging agentic AI technologies. • Lead AI initiatives from concept development through implementation, adoption, and measurable value realization. • Partner with commercial, customer experience, analytics, and digital teams to integrate AI capabilities into business processes and customer engagement models. • Drive the development of AI-powered insights that support segmentation, targeting, launch planning, forecasting, and market understanding. • Explore and implement agentic AI solutions that enhance productivity and create new digital workforce capabilities. • Represent Germany in regional and global AI discussions, influencing priorities and shaping future capabilities. • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of AI specialists. • Ensure all AI initiatives comply with data privacy, security, compliance, quality, and responsible AI requirements. What you will bring Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Business Analytics, Information Systems, Business, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience. • Significant experience in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, data science, digital innovation, or related fields. • Experience leading business-facing AI solutions from strategy through implementation and adoption. • Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, talent development, and performance management. • Experience operating successfully within complex matrix organizations and influencing senior stakeholders. • Strong understanding of machine learning, generative AI, and emerging agentic AI technologies. • Experience translating technical capabilities into business outcomes and commercial value. • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. • Fluency in English. Preferred Qualifications • Experience within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotech, or other regulated industries. • Experience supporting commercial organizations across multiple business units, brands, or franchises. • Knowledge of omnichannel engagement, CRM ecosystems, customer experience, and digital activation models. • Experience working with regional or global teams in multinational organizations. • Relevant certifications in AI, machine learning, cloud technologies, product management, or agile delivery. • German language skills. People with severe disabilities and their equivalents will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Required Skills: Business Analysis, Data Science, Demand Management, Innovation, Requirements Management, Sourcing and Procurement, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 08/17/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.