Head of Data & Architecture

Circular Economy Systems (CES); Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Circular Economy Systems (CES) seeks an experienced Head of Data & Architecture to establish and lead the Data & Architecture function, reporting to the CTO. This role will define the strategic foundations for data governance, data engineering and enterprise architecture as CES scales its technology platforms and international footprint.

The Head will create a clear vision for data governance, manage data maturity, and set architecture principles and standards that enable scalable, secure

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading enterprise Data, Data Platform or Architecture functions within complex organisations.
• Proven success establishing or maturing data governance, data strategy and architecture capabilities.
• Experience defining enterprise-wide operating models, governance frameworks and strategic roadmaps.
• Strong understanding of modern data platforms, cloud ecosystems and data management practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead CES's enterprise Data & Architecture strategy, ensuring growth and platform evolution.
• Establish governance, ownership and decision frameworks across data, architecture and technology.
• Mature CES's data capability, including data governance and master data management.
• Shape the direction of CES's data platforms and engineering capability for scalable foundations.
• Establish enterprise architecture principles and roadmaps to reduce complexity.
• Guide strategic technology decisions across platforms, data services and AI opportunities.
• Build partnerships across Technology and business, translating technical concepts into business outcomes.
• Develop the operating model and team structure to scale the Data & Architecture function.

Skills

Data leadership

Data governance

Data architecture

Data strategy

Cloud platforms

Stakeholder management

AI opportunities

Enterprise architecture

Tools

Snowflake

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Enterprise data modeling

Job description

About CES

Accelerating the transition to a circular economy.

We are proud to be an active contributor in the circular economy through container deposit schemes (10c refund for eligible drink containers). We help our scheme partners to recycle close to 10 million drink containers every day, diverting them from landfill into the circular economy.

Our technology and services enable the circular lifecycle of drink containers. We have a large in-house software engineering team using modern technology stacks to develop and support our products. As well as a suite of SaaS products, our range of business services includes accounting, payments, brand & marketing, materials trading, HR, customer service and support.

CES was formed in 2017 as a joint venture between Lion and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and has grown rapidly. We are headquartered in North Sydney, near public transport with beautiful harbour views. Our teams are passionate about our mission to ensure valuable materials are recycled and not wasted. We provide an inclusive culture, hybrid and flexible working and career development to bring the best out in our people.

Originally known as Container Exchange Services, we have rebranded to Circular Economy Systems to recognise our vision to be leaders in the transition to a circular economy.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced technology leader to establish and lead CES's Data & Architecture function.

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this newly created leadership role will bring together accountability for Data Strategy, Data Governance, Data Engineering and Enterprise Architecture. As CES continues to scale its technology platforms, business operations and international footprint, this role will define the strategic foundations required to support future growth.

The Head of Data & Architecture will be responsible for creating a clear vision and roadmap for how data is governed, managed and leveraged across the organisation, while also establishing the architecture principles, standards and decision-making frameworks that support scalable, secure and sustainable technology outcomes.

This role will work across Technology, Product and business functions to improve data maturity, strengthen governance, guide platform evolution and provide strategic leadership across enterprise architecture, data platforms, master data management and emerging AI opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead CES's enterprise Data & Architecture strategy, ensuring both disciplines support business growth, scalability and future platform evolution.
• Establish clear governance, ownership and decision-making frameworks across data, architecture and technology strategy.
• Mature CES's data capability, including data governance, data quality, master data management and enterprise data practices.
• Shape the future direction of CES's data platforms and engineering capability, ensuring scalable and reliable foundations for the organisation.
• Establish enterprise architecture principles, standards and target-state roadmaps that reduce complexity and support long-term growth.
• Guide strategic technology decisions across platforms, integrations, APIs, data services and emerging technologies, including AI opportunities.
• Build strong partnerships across Technology and the broader business, translating complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes and recommendations.
• Develop the operating model, team capability and future organisational structure required to scale the Data & Architecture function over time.

About You

• Significant experience leading enterprise Data, Data Engineering, Data Platform or Architecture functions within complex organisations.
• Proven success establishing or maturing data governance, data strategy and architecture capabilities.
• Experience defining enterprise-wide operating models, governance frameworks and strategic roadmaps.
• Strong understanding of modern data platforms, cloud ecosystems and data management practices.
• Experience operating at senior leadership level with responsibility for organisational outcomes rather than individual technical delivery.
• Experience leading teams, building capability and influencing across multiple stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience with Snowflake or modern cloud-native data platforms.
• Exposure to Master Data Management (MDM) programs.
• Experience establishing AI strategies, governance frameworks or data-driven products.
• Background in SaaS, fintech, digital platforms or highly regulated environments.
• Experience building client-facing data products or information services.

Our Values

• Scheme success is our success.
• Win as a Team: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Great things are achieved in teams that combine the right expertise and leadership.
• Make a Difference: Take initiative, take ownership. Openly communicate the outcome you want and go make it happen!
• Be Engaged: Reflect your passion in your work, no matter the task or challenge. Your engagement is a source of inspiration to your peers.

Do The Right Thing

Do the right thing by others and the company, and the rest will follow. Seek win-win outcomes, listen, act inclusively, and always aim for better.