Head of Data & AI Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing program

Salary packaging

Extra leave entitlements

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. This senior role collaborates with stakeholders and partners to deliver scalable, secure technology solutions.

You will drive IT strategy, oversee in-house systems, and champion Agile/DevOps practices while ensuring governance, risk management and security alignment across the organisation.

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

Team leadership

AI/ML integration

Agile delivery

DevOps transformations

Data governance

Security/compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IS

Tools

Azure

DevOps tooling

APIs

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. This senior role collaborates with stakeholders and partners to deliver scalable, secure technology solutions.

You will drive IT strategy, oversee in-house systems, and champion Agile/DevOps practices while ensuring governance, risk management and security alignment across the organisation.