Chief Data & AI Engineering Leader

Airport Development Group | ADG; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Airport Development Group (ADG) is seeking a strategic, hands-on Head of Data & IT Engineering to lead the design, development and delivery of our data, AI, digital, and application ecosystem across the organisation.

You will build and mentor high-performing teams, set modern architecture standards (microservices, APIs, data platforms), govern data quality and security, champion Agile, DevOps and CI/CD, manage vendors, and partner with stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure technology

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience across application development, data, AI or digital, with 3+ years in leadership roles
• Demonstrated success delivering AI-enabled solutions
• Proven experience leading Agile delivery teams and DevOps transformations
• Strong knowledge of modern architecture (microservices, event-driven design)
• Experience with data platforms, APIs, and AI/ML integration
• Deep understanding of data governance, security, and compliance frameworks
• Expertise in modern data and engineering tools
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority across AI, data, integrations, and application development
• Co-lead IT strategy including AI, IoT, and data platforms
• Oversee in-house systems and ITIL release management
• Champion Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD practices
• Manage vendors and outsourced partners
• Collaborate with Cyber Security teams to ensure secure solutions
• Lead testing functions (SIT, UAT, test design/execution)
• Establish and drive a data governance framework
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies across AI, IoT, and cloud
• Conduct technical design reviews and code approvals
• Apply the ADG Risk Management Framework to identify and manage risk
• Promote safety and sustainability mindset
• Ensure alignment with cyber security policies and threat response frameworks

Skills

Leadership

Agile/DevOps

Data governance

AI integration

Security/compliance

Microservices

APIs

Stakeholder engagement

Cloud platforms

Tools

Azure

Infor data platforms

Job description

Airport Development Group (ADG) is seeking a strategic, hands-on Head of Data & IT Engineering to lead the design, development and delivery of our data, AI, digital, and application ecosystem across the organisation.

You will build and mentor high-performing teams, set modern architecture standards (microservices, APIs, data platforms), govern data quality and security, champion Agile, DevOps and CI/CD, manage vendors, and partner with stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure technology