Head of IT Engineering, Data & AI

Northern Territory Airports; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Airport Development Group is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Data & IT Engineering to shape our data, AI, digital, and application ecosystem from Cairns City QLD. You will lead high‑impact technology initiatives, balancing strategic direction with hands-on execution to deliver scalable, secure solutions.

The role requires 7+ years in application data/AI, with leadership experience, and a track record in Agile/DevOps transformations; you will steward data governance, security, and modern

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

Leadership

AI integration

Agile delivery

DevOps

Data governance

Security/compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Infor data platforms

APIs

AI/ML integration

Cloud platforms (Azure)

Job description

Northern Territory Airports – Cairns City QLD

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, we are seeking an experienced Head of Data & IT Engineering to lead the design, development and delivery of our data, AI, digital, and application ecosystem.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving the next phase of innovation across the organisation. You’ll combine strategic leadership with a hands‑on approach, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver scalable, secure, and high‑performing technology solutions.

Key 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

About You

You are a strategic and hands‑on technology leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about building high‑performing teams and data‑driven organisations.

You will bring:

• 7+ years’ experience across application development, data, AI or digital, with 3+ years in leadership roles
• Demonstrated success 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

Highly regarded:

• Experience with Infor data platforms and AI capabilities
• Certifications in Azure, Agile (Scrum/SAFe), or DevOps

Why ADG?

At Airport Development Group, we take pride in creating a workplace that supports growth, balance, and wellbeing. You’ll be part of a values‑driven organisation that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. From ongoing development opportunities and a supportive leadership team to additional leave entitlements for eligible staff, we believe in recognising and rewarding your contributions. We also offer access to a comprehensive wellbeing program and salary packaging options.

Working at ADG means being part of a team that connects communities across the Northern Territory and your work will directly contribute to our commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Join Us & Make an Impact!

At ADG we embrace equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Agencies should note that unsolicited resumes or floated profiles will not be accepted for this position and ADG will not pay any fees related to resumes that are submitted directly to hiring managers and not through our approved process. Where appropriate, the Talent Manager will work with our preferred panel of agencies to source candidates for roles.

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