Data & AI Innovation Leader

Airport Development Group; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing program

Salary packaging options

Additional leave entitlements

Job summary

Airport Development Group seeks an experienced Head of Data & IT Engineering to lead the design, development and delivery of the data, AI, digital, and applications ecosystem. You will blend strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, driving secure, scalable technology and high-performing teams.

You will champion Agile, DevOps, and modern architectures, align with security and compliance standards, and shape governance for data quality and stewardship across the organisation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience across application development, data, AI or digital, with 3+ years in leadership.
• Proven success delivering AI-enabled solutions.
• 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.
• Data governance, security and compliance frameworks knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority across AI, data, integrations, and application development.
• Co-lead IT strategy development including AI, IoT, and data platforms.
• Oversee in-house systems and ITIL release management.
• Champion Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD practices for rapid delivery.
• Manage vendors and outsourced partners with quality and standards alignment.
• Collaborate with cyber security to ensure secure and compliant solutions.
• Lead testing functions including SIT, UAT, and test design/execution.
• Establish and drive a data governance framework with quality and stewardship.

Skills

Agile delivery

DevOps

AI integration

Data platforms

Stakeholder comms

Tools

Azure

APIs

Infor data platforms

Job description

Airport Development Group seeks an experienced Head of Data & IT Engineering to lead the design, development and delivery of the data, AI, digital, and applications ecosystem. You will blend strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, driving secure, scalable technology and high-performing teams.

You will champion Agile, DevOps, and modern architectures, align with security and compliance standards, and shape governance for data quality and stewardship across the organisation.