Data & AI Engineering Leader – IT Strategy & Delivery

Northern Territory Airports; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Airport Development Group is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Data & IT Engineering to shape our data, AI, digital, and application ecosystem from Cairns City QLD. You will lead high‑impact technology initiatives, balancing strategic direction with hands-on execution to deliver scalable, secure solutions.

The role requires 7+ years in application data/AI, with leadership experience, and a track record in Agile/DevOps transformations; you will steward data governance, security, and modern

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience across application development, data, AI or digital, with 3+ years in leadership roles
• Proven experience 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 the development and execution of IT strategy, including AI, IoT, and data platforms
• Oversee in‑house developed systems (L2+) and the ITIL release management function
• Champion Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD practices to enable rapid and reliable delivery
• Manage vendors and outsourced partners, ensuring quality and alignment with standards
• Collaborate with Cyber Security teams to ensure secure and compliant solutions
• Lead testing functions, including SIT, UAT, and test design/execution
• Establish and drive a data governance framework, ensuring high data quality and stewardship
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies across AI, IoT, and cloud platforms
• Conduct technical design reviews and code approvals
• Apply the ADG Risk Management Framework to identify and manage risk
• Promote a strong safety and sustainability mindset across all initiatives
• Ensure alignment with cyber security policies and threat response frameworks

Skills

Leadership

AI integration

Agile delivery

DevOps

Data governance

Security/compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Infor data platforms

APIs

AI/ML integration

Cloud platforms (Azure)

Job description

Airport Development Group is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Data & IT Engineering to shape our data, AI, digital, and application ecosystem from Cairns City QLD. You will lead high‑impact technology initiatives, balancing strategic direction with hands-on execution to deliver scalable, secure solutions.

The role requires 7+ years in application data/AI, with leadership experience, and a track record in Agile/DevOps transformations; you will steward data governance, security, and modern