Head of AI

Do you want to shape the future of AI at a global technology leader? As Head of AI, you will drive AI transformation across both business and IT, shaping and executing Oerlikon's enterprise-wide AI strategy. With a strong focus on enabling measurable business impact through the agentification and automation of core processes, you will accelerate innovation, productivity, and operational excellence through the responsible, secure, and scalable adoption of AI.

In this role, you will report to the CIO.

Location:

Pfäffikon SZ (Switzerland), Munich (Germany), or Brugherio (Italy)

• Shape and evolve Oerlikon’s enterprise AI strategy, governance, architecture, together with digitalization teams across the organization
• Establish and maintain AI policies, standards, controls, and compliance frameworks to ensure secure and ethical AI usage
• Lead AI-driven transformation initiatives, including AI agents, autonomous workflows, and process automation
• Oversee AI risk management, regulatory compliance, and alignment with evolving AI legislation and data protection requirements
• Define and track AI value metrics and KPIs to measure adoption, business impact, and compliance
• Drive the integration of IT operations to improve productivity, efficiency, and automation
• Manage strategic relationships with AI technology providers, partners, and vendors
• Foster AI awareness and capability building across the organization through training and enablement initiatives

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Information Technology or a related field
• Experience leading AI, digital, data, or technology transformation initiatives in complex global environments
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, enterprise IT architectures, governance, security, and compliance frameworks
• Proven success in translating business needs into scalable technology solutions and delivering measurable business value
  
  Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and change management capabilities, with the ability to influence across functions and regions
• Strategic, innovative, and results-oriented mindset, combined with strong analytical skills and a passion for continuous improvement
• Fluent in English;
  German is an advantage

• A very welcoming, supportive and collaborative team spirit and an open company culture
• An exciting and challenging opportunity to work in a global technology company
• Attractive compensation and working conditions

Team Spirit is one of our core values. Collaborating across borders, languages and cultures is key to us delivering results. Supporting our people’s growth and development is a top priority. We believe in the creative power of a team that draws strength from welcoming a broad expanse of knowledge, experience and perspectives.

Join us in building the next generation of AI-enabled business capabilities. We look forward to hearing from you!

Susanne Seidel

Sr. HR Business Partner HQ, Global Functions and CTO

Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors and tooling. Head-quartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with around 10,000 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025.

We offer a wide variety of job profiles in a dynamic, supportive environment where people are empowered to grow and reach their full potential — guided by our core values of integrity, team spirit, excellence and innovation.

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