Head of AI & Digital - Nestlé R&D Deep Tech… at Nestle · Switzerla…

Location: Orbe, Switzerland (Lausanne area) Work model: Hybrid / Full time Contract type: Permanent

Be a force for good and build technology that matters.

As Head of AI & Digital Innovation at the Nestlé Deep Tech Center, you will shape and lead Nestlé’s digital and AI strategy across R&D at global scale. You will drive high-impact initiatives that transform how we innovate, manufacture, and engage with consumers—unlocking measurable business value by leveraging cutting-edge engineering technologies.

This is a senior leadership role with high visibility, where you will define strategic priorities, influence executive stakeholders, and lead the Digital & AI function as a Department Head, ensuring the successful execution of initiatives that deliver tangible business impact.

You will operate in a unique Deep Tech environment, with access to state-of-the-art labs, pilot plants, automated kitchens and rapid prototyping capabilities across our global hubs in Switzerland and China.

In our Deep Tech Center, we enable advances in manufacturing, consumer experiences and research by leveraging robotics, sensors, AI, machine learning and digital twins—translating breakthrough engineering technologies into scalable, real-world solutions.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of food, applying AI, process modelling and digital technologies to real-world challenges while driving meaningful impact across Nestlé’s value chain.

How you’ll make an impact as a Head of AI & Digital

• Defining and leading the AI & digital strategy across R&D, translating emerging technologies into clear priorities, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes, ensuring strong governance and alignment across the organization
• Owning and driving a high-impact strategic portfolio with an end-to-end mindset, delivering tangible value across innovation, manufacturing and consumer-facing applications
• Driving execution of high-impact projects, accelerating the transition from concept to deployment and embedding AI, digital solutions & analytics capabilities into core R&D processes
• Building and activating a strong global ecosystem of leading tech companies, startups, academic partners and external experts, leveraging your established network to push the boundaries of digital & data-driven innovation
• Leading and empowering a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, ownership and continuous skills development

What will make you successful

• Proven leadership experience in AI, digital innovation or transformation, with a track record of delivering large-scale business impact
• Strong technical credibility in AI / machine learning, process modelling & simulation or computational science, combined with the ability to connect technology to R&D and business outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to define strategy and lead execution end-to-end, with full ownership of high-impact initiatives
• Strong business acumen, translating technology and data investments into measurable value creation (growth and efficiency)
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leadership in complex, matrixed organizations
• Experience in building and leading high-performing teams and capabilities at scale
• A well-established external network across AI, digital innovation, startups, technology partners and academia, with the ability to identify and engage the right ecosystem to accelerate innovation and business impact

At Nestlé Deep Tech Center, we place people at the core of everything we do.

Our benefits are designed to support your growth and wellbeing, so you can thrive at work and in life:

• Flexible working options, including hybrid work possibilities (for office based roles)

• Paid holidays beyond legal requirements

• Learning and development opportunities to grow your career

• Performance based bonus

• Healthcare contribution and access to the Employee Assistance Program

• Strong employer contribution to your pension plan

• Generous parental leave and comprehensive family support solutions

• Attractive employee discounts across various products and services

• State-of-the-art facility with creative spaces, rapid prototyping labs, automated kitchens, and pilot plants.

What to expect from our hiring process

We are committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations if needed. Our workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture, with modern installations and procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The hiring process typically includes a conversation with Talent Acquisition, interviews with the hiring team, and a final executive discussion followed by an offer. We review applications as they are received and close the role once a strong list of relevant candidates is identified, so we encourage you to apply early. All information is treated confidentially.

Ready to Be a Force for Good?

Apply now and build technology that matters!

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