Head of Data & AI

Source; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

PLUS ES is expanding its data and AI capability, owning the Enterprise Data Platform on Microsoft Azure and Databricks. You will transform data into engineered, product-grade assets, while replicating data services from a former parent environment and reporting to the CIO.

You will lead the Data & AI function, shaping strategy, governance, and commercial outcomes across Technology, Cyber Security, Commercial and Product teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in data, analytics or AI, incl. leading a multi-disciplinary function.
• Experience carving out data capability or separating a business unit.
• Delivery of modern cloud data platforms, ideally Databricks on Azure.
• Governance, quality and privacy practices built to last, with AI in production.
• Commercial instincts with budget ownership and vendor accountability.
• Strong leadership through change and executive communication.

Responsibilities

• Own the data and AI strategy and roadmap, aligned to business objectives.
• Lead platform replication, migration, access segregation and independent operation.
• Own and evolve the Enterprise Data Platform, Datalab, pipelines and connectivity.
• Establish governance covering ownership, stewardship, cataloguing, quality, lineage and privacy.
• Deliver analytics, insights and AI products that measurably improve performance.
• Own customer-facing data products and decision-support capabilities.
• Lead, develop and retain the Data & AI team and budget oversight.

Skills

Data leadership

Azure Databricks

Governance

AI product development

Executive communication

Budget ownership

Vendor management

Power BI

Salesforce

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

FinOps

Job description

Source's client, PLUS ES is entering an exciting new chapter. As they continue their journey as a leader in metering and data services, they arebuilding smarter infrastructure solutions at the intersection of technology, service and sustainability, powering the energy and resource transition across Australia. This is a rare moment to shape what PLUS ES becomes next, with a steadfast commitment to delivering the reliable, accurate data and insights a sustainable energy future depends on.

PLUS ES’s mission is to deliver smarter infrastructure and data to enable a sustainable tomorrow, and our vision is to keep innovating today for tomorrow's energy challenges. As they evolve, they are doubling down on what makes them who they are: Safety, Team, Customer, Innovation, and Accountability.

About the Role

Millions of meter reads, field records and market transactions flow through this business every day. There is enormous headroom in what that data could power, once it has a platform and a strategy built purely around this business's own future. That is the opportunity you are being brought in to unlock.

You will lead data, analytics and AI for the organisation, owning the Enterprise Data Platform on Microsoft Azure and Databricks and taking it from a reporting tool to an engineered, product grade capability. You will also replicate data assets and services out of a former parent company's shared environment into something this business owns outright, reporting to the Chief Information Officer and working closely with Technology, Cyber Security, Commercial and Product teams along the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the data and AI strategy and roadmap, aligned to business objectives and commercial priorities. Secure investment and prioritise the initiative portfolio.
• Lead the data and reporting elements of technology separation, including platform replication, migration, access segregation and the pathway to independent operation.
• Own and evolve the Enterprise Data Platform and Datalab, architecture, pipelines and source system connectivity, so data is scalable, secure and reusable.
• Establish governance covering ownership, stewardship, cataloguing, quality, lineage and privacy, working closely with Cyber Security and Legal, Risk & Governance.
• Deliver analytics, insights and AI products that measurably improve operational performance, customer outcomes and productivity, with safe, explainable and governed AI throughout.
• Own customer-facing data products and decision-support capabilities, partnering with commercial, customer and product teams to create measurable value.
• Lead, develop and retain the Data & AI team, building engineering, governance, analytics and data product capability across the function.
• Own the Data & AI budget and hold platform, tooling and services vendors to contracted outcomes.

About You

You are a data and AI leader who wants to build, not maintain. With extensive experience, you bring to the table:

• 10+ years in data, analytics or AI, including at least three leading a multi-disciplinary function
• A track record building or separating a data capability through a carve out or major operating model change
• Delivery of modern cloud data platforms, ideally Databricks on Azure, and data products that created measurable value
• Governance, quality and privacy practices built to last, and AI use cases taken into production with evidenced benefit
• Commercial instincts, budget ownership and the ability to hold vendors to contracted outcomes
• Strong leadership through change, translating data and AI opportunity or risk for an executive or board audience
• Energy, utilities or another regulated sector experience is a strong plus, as is exposure to modern AI platforms, Power BI, SAP S/4HANA, Salesforce or FinOps. A relevant degree is welcomed, though equivalent industry experience is just as valued.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a data and AI function from the ground up, with genuine ownership of platform, strategy and commercial outcomes during a defining period for the business.

This organisation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.