Engineering Manager - AI and Emerging Tech

TAL Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

TAL Australia is hiring an Engineering Manager, AI & Emerging Technology in Sydney to steer the responsible delivery of innovative AI solutions that simplify and improve services for customers, partners and employees. You will shape how emerging tech aligns with TAL’s mission, balancing cutting-edge thinking with care, discipline and reliability demanded in life insurance.

This role offers the chance to influence TAL's AI trajectory across products, platforms, and governance while collaborating

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in software, AI, machine learning or data engineering
• 3+ years leading engineering teams
• Strong knowledge of generative AI, LLM-based systems and MLOps
• Lead and support engineering teams by setting clear standards and mentoring
• Use data engineering, cloud platform and modern software development to build scalable AI
• Clear communication with product, business and technology stakeholders
• Understanding of privacy, security, AI governance and regulated Australian financial services environments

Responsibilities

• Lead high-performing AI engineering teams to deliver scalable AI solutions.
• Translate AI prototypes into production-ready services with quality, monitoring and operational discipline.
• Build an engaged engineering culture that supports growth, experimentation and continuous improvement.
• Set clear technical standards that strengthen AI delivery, platform reuse and engineering excellence.
• Embed responsible AI governance, risk management and compliance into delivery stages.
• Align business, product and technology stakeholders to deliver AI outcomes that advance TAL’s strategy

Skills

AI engineering leadership

Gen AI / LLMs

MLOps

Cloud platform

Stakeholder alignment

Privacy & security

Job description

• Join us in shaping the future of the insurance industry, driven by innovation and a 150-year legacy of protecting people
• Take advantage of well-being initiatives designed to support your mental and physical health, ensuring a balanced lifestyle
• Work alongside diverse, passionate colleagues and leaders who inspire, support, and value your contributions.

Company Description

• Join us in shaping the future of the insurance industry, driven by innovation and a 150-year legacy of protecting people
• Take advantage of well-being initiatives designed to support your mental and physical health, ensuring a balanced lifestyle
• Work alongside diverse, passionate colleagues and leaders who inspire, support, and value your contributions.

Help Protect This Australian Life

Your work at TAL will have a direct impact on the lives of over 5 million Australians, often during their most challenging times. Alongside our partners, you’ll contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference.

We’re committed to being proactive and accountable, enhancing how we work and collaborate to get things done. Our values – respect, commitment, and resourcefulness – guide us as we deliver on our purpose, working with governments, industry colleagues, and partners to make a lasting impact.

We also do what’s right by giving back. Through volunteering, championing equity, health, and sustainability, we actively support our community.

Job Description

At TAL, we’re committed to protecting what matters most for Australians, and this role plays a key part in shaping how emerging technology supports that mission. As Engineering Manager, AI & Emerging Technology, you’ll help lead the responsible delivery of innovative AI solutions that make our services simpler, safer and more effective for customers, partners and our people. Working at the intersection of technology, trust and impact, this role is meaningful because it brings together cutting‑edge thinking with real‑world purpose, helping TAL explore new possibilities while maintaining the care, discipline and reliability expected in life insurance. It’s an opportunity to influence the future of AI at TAL and contribute to technology that helps people when they need it most.

Please note, this position needs to be Sydney based.

In This Role You Will

• Lead high-performing AI engineering teams to deliver scalable, reliable and valuable AI solutions.
• Translate AI prototypes into production-ready services with strong quality, monitoring and operational discipline.
• Build an engaged engineering culture that supports growth, experimentation and continuous improvement.
• Set clear technical standards that strengthen AI delivery, platform reuse and engineering excellence.
• Embed responsible AI governance, risk management and compliance into every stage of delivery.
• Align business, product and technology stakeholders to deliver AI outcomes that advance TAL’s strategy.

Qualifications

• Bring 8+ years’ experience in software, AI, machine learning or data engineering, including 3+ years leading engineering teams.
• Apply strong knowledge of generative AI, LLM-based systems and MLOps or LLMOps practices to deliver safe, production-ready solutions.
• Lead and support engineering teams by setting clear standards, encouraging collaboration and helping people grow.
• Use data engineering, cloud platform and modern software development experience to build scalable AI solutions.
• Communicate technical ideas clearly and work effectively with product, business and technology stakeholders.
• Bring an understanding of privacy, security, AI governance and regulated Australian financial services environments.

Additional Information

TAL is one of Australia’s leading life insurers, committed to inclusion, and supporting the career growth of our diverse workforce. We’re proud to be:

• An Inclusive Employer – Recognised as Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and Bronze Tier Status within the Australian Workplace Equality Index
• Diversity Champions – Member of Diversity Council Australia, Australian Disability Network, Pride in Diversity and Champions of Change
• Reconciliation Advocates – Read our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
• We welcome applications from people with diverse experiences, perspectives and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, caregivers, individuals living with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and the LGBTIQ+ community.
• Need adjustments during the recruitment process? Let our team know by getting in touch with us here—we’re here to support you.

You’re always accountable for your actions. You never give up. You strive to find the best outcomes for customers and partners. And you value working together to find the best solutions for problems.

As part of the recruitment process, there are several checks which may be conducted to demonstrate your eligibility for a role at TAL including Criminal History, Bankruptcy, Entitlement to Work, Regulatory and Reference Checks.

Everyone at TAL has a responsibility to do the right thing and is accountable for the way they conduct themselves. Our expectations are that you follow the principles set out in our Code of Conduct when you come to work every day. Risk management is everyone’s responsibility.

If you are already a TAL employee please apply via the SmartRecruiters button in Workday and navigate to the Employee Portal. This is important to ensure that your application is recorded accurately