Applied Science Manager for Multi-Modal Industry Foundation Models

About SAP and the Role

At SAP, we aim to improve the way the world runs by leveraging your unique skills within a thriving culture that values simplicity, wellbeing, and belonging. We serve 80% of global commerce across more than 20 industries, providing a platform where you can constantly grow and succeed. Our SAP Business AI team pioneers advanced AI solutions for structured business data such as graphs and tables, and is expanding its vision to develop Multi-Modal Industry Foundation Models (MMIFM) that go beyond tabular data to include multiple data modalities and knowledge graphs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow an applied science team specializing in multi-modal foundation models, recruiting top AI scientists and engineers.
• Manage hiring processes initially across projects and subsequently focus primarily on building the MMIFM team.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership, guiding research strategy and innovation in foundation models and world models applicable to business data.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality models, benchmarks, and scientific publications that represent SAP’s cutting-edge research at leading conferences.
• Collaborate with peer leaders, product incubation experts, and partner teams to align research efforts with business objectives.
• Address organizational challenges by bridging technical gaps and optimizing processes to facilitate effective partnership execution.
• Stay informed on research trends, adapting the research roadmap to maintain a forward-looking and effective strategy.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses a PhD or Master’s in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related fields, with a strong publication record or equivalent applied research experience in top-tier ML/NLP/AI venues.
• Experienced in designing, training, evaluating, and deploying foundation models at scale, ideally including exposure to multi-modal or structured data.
• Proficient in Python and familiar with modern ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, enabling technical mentorship despite a leadership-focused role.
• Knowledge of SAP business processes, ERP data, or vertical industries is advantageous to ground modeling efforts in practical use cases.
• Exemplifies outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a proven record of team management, goal achievement, mentoring, and influencing diverse teams.
• Capable of conveying technical content effectively to both technical and executive audiences and representing the team externally.

Additional Information

The role is embedded within SAP's international AI organization, committed to integrating AI across enterprise applications to deliver significant business impact. SAP supports an inclusive culture emphasizing health, well-being, and flexible work arrangements to unlock every employee's full potential. The company is an equal opportunity employer, offering accessibility accommodations as needed.

Travel expectations are minimal (0-10%). The position is a permanent, full-time role located onsite in Garching, Bavaria, Germany.

Requisition ID: 455054