Optimisation Specialist

Nine; North Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18 weeks parental leave

Employee Exclusives program

Digital newspaper subscription

Stan subscription

Job summary

Nine, Australia’s largest locally owned media company, is seeking a Data Scientist to develop ad inventory optimisation models that maximise yield. You will bridge mathematical theory with business outcomes, collaborating with data scientists, platform engineers, and the Nine Sales team.

The role requires a quantitative degree and hands-on optimisation experience, with proficiency in Python and SQL, and familiarity with Gurobi/CPLEX. Flexible, hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a highly quantitative field (e.g., Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or Engineering).
• 2–3 years of commercial experience solving complex optimisation problems, or a PhD in a related quantitative discipline.
• Strong foundations in mathematical programming/theory (linear, mixed-integer, non-linear) with hands-on experience using Gurobi or similar commercial solvers (e.g., CPLEX).
• Proficiency in Python and SQL with experience utilising core data science and optimisation libraries.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain advanced mathematical optimisation models to solve complex, business-critical commercial challenges.
• Collaborate closely with data scientists and platform engineering teams to build, scale, and deploy robust, production-ready optimisation solutions and APIs.
• Clean, transform, and validate multi-source data while building tools and metrics to evaluate model stability, accuracy, and performance.
• Translate complex mathematical formulations into clear, actionable insights for key commercial stakeholders, particularly the Nine Sales team.

Skills

Mathematical optimization

Python

SQL

Gurobi/CPLEX

Operations research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in quantitative field

PhD in related quantitative discipline

Tools

Gurobi/CPLEX

Job description

Company Description

Nine is Australia’s largest locally owned media company. We are home to premium, trusted news, sport and entertainment. Nine's assets span free-to-air television, free and paid streaming, publishing and digital audio, and digital outdoor and retail media. Our content reaches almost every Australian - meaning what we do has real impact. We bring people together, celebrate the big moments, and capture the everyday ones. As our iconic and emerging brands continue to evolve, we offer unique opportunities for you to bring fresh ideas, innovate, and make your mark on the future of Australian media.

Job Description

The Data Science & AI team develops data products and scalable solutions across Nine, leveraging machine learning, AI, and mathematical optimisation to maximise business yield and support data-driven decision-making.

In this role, you will build ad inventory optimisation models that directly maximise ad yield, bridging the gap between mathematical theory and commercial outcomes.

Day to day you will:

• Develop, implement, and maintain advanced mathematical optimisation models to solve complex, business-critical commercial challenges.
• Collaborate closely with data scientists and platform engineering teams to build, scale, and deploy robust, production-ready optimisation solutions and APIs.
• Clean, transform, and validate multi-source data while building tools and metrics to evaluate model stability, accuracy, and performance.
• Translate complex mathematical formulations into clear, actionable insights for key commercial stakeholders, particularly the Nine Sales team.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a highly quantitative field (e.g., Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or Engineering).
• 2–3 years of commercial experience solving complex optimisation problems, or a PhD in a related quantitative discipline.
• Strong foundations in mathematical programming/theory (linear, mixed-integer, non-linear) paired with hands‑on experience using Gurobi or similar commercial solvers (e.g., CPLEX).
• Proficiency in Python and SQL with experience utilising core data science and optimisation libraries.

Additional Information

How we work
At Nine, our flexible work options vary by role and team. Depending on the position, this may include flexible hours, hybrid work, or part-time arrangements. We welcome discussing your flexibility needs during the hiring process - just ask the Talent Acquisition team.

Our employee benefits include:

• 18 weeks paid parental leave with no distinction between primary and secondary carers
• Access to 'Employee Exclusives' program - a way of getting closer to our incredible brands, offering unique experiences, behind-the-scenes access, and awesome perks.
• Digital newspaper subscription to our mastheads
• Annual gift voucher for Stan subscription

More info at Nine Careers

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We're committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive Nine. From day one, you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and will be supported to perform at your best.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and of all ages, genders, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures as we recognise the importance and value of diverse perspectives. Should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please advise us when you apply.
Work rights: Please note to apply for this role you must already have the right to lawfully work and live in Australia.