AI Manager

UDC Finance Limited; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex working

KiwiSaver

Life insurance

Trauma protection

Subsidised medical cover and banking

Enhanced parental leave and childcare

Job summary

UDC Finance Limited in Auckland is seeking an experienced AI Manager to lead and coordinate the organisation’s AI strategy, initiatives, and operations. You will oversee AI solution development and deployment and drive cross‑functional collaboration to maximise value across the enterprise.

You’ll manage governance, model lifecycle, training, and AI literacy, ensure security and fairness, and report to the AI governance committee. Passion for learning and delivering impact is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in AI, data science, or machine learning leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, platforms, and deployment strategies.
• Knowledge of AI governance and ethical frameworks.
• Familiarity with enterprise systems and integration (e.g., SharePoint, cloud platforms).
• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience in AI project management and implementation, particularly with Microsoft Copilot or similar tools.
• Excellent communication skills for training, reporting, and acting as an AI ambassador within the company.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and selection of AI platforms, tools, and vendors.
• Oversee the lifecycle of AI models—from development to deployment and monitoring.
• Coordinate assessment and integration of AI systems with enterprise architecture (e.g., SharePoint, ERP, CRM).
• Prepare and present updates for the UDC AI governance committee; create structured reporting packs, tracking AI Initiatives and benefits
• Organise and oversee training sessions, user onboarding, and ongoing support for Microsoft Copilot rollout.
• Promote AI literacy and capability
• Establish and enforce AI governance frameworks, including data privacy, model explainability, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure AI systems meet internal and external standards for security and fairness.

Skills

AI leadership

AI governance

Enterprise integration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science/Data Science/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

SharePoint

Cloud platforms

Job description

UDC Finance hasgrown alongside the businesses that have built our country’s economy liketransport, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing, and we’re proud to be NewZealand’s finance company.Weare one of the largest finance companies operating in the New Zealand market.

We are currently lookingfor an experienced AI Manager to join our Solution Delivery and Support team based at Albert Street.

Primary Role:

To lead andcoordinate the organization’s AI strategy, initiatives, and operations,ensuring alignment between AI capabilities and business objectives. The AIManager oversees the development and deployment of AI solutions, fosterscross-functional collaboration, and maximizes the value of AI across theenterprise.

Responsibilities:

• Lead evaluation and selection of AI platforms, tools, and vendors.
• Oversee the lifecycle of AI models—from development to deployment and monitoring.
• Coordinate assessment and integration of AI systems with enterprise architecture (e.g., SharePoint, ERP, CRM).
• Prepare and present updates for the UDC AI governance committee; create structured reporting packs, tracking AI Initiatives and benefits
• Organise and oversee training sessions, user onboarding, and ongoing support for Microsoft Copilot rollout.
• Promote AI literacy and capability
• Establish and enforce AI governance frameworks, including data privacy, model explainability, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure AI systems meet internal and external standards for security and fairness.

Your experience:

• Proven experience in AI, data science, or machine learning leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, platforms, and deployment strategies.
• Knowledge of AI governance and ethical frameworks.
• Familiarity with enterprise systems and integration (e.g., SharePoint, cloud platforms).
• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience in AI project management and implementation, particularly with Microsoft Copilot or similar tools.
• Excellent communication skills for training, reporting, and acting as an AI ambassador within the company.

We are proud of our heritage, but focused on future growth alongside our customers’ success. As part of our team you’ll have access to a range of people focused benefits like flex working, a strong team culture, competitive salary, KiwiSaver, life insurance and trauma protection, subsidised medical cover and banking, and enhanced parental leave and childcare support. We value our teams diversity and offer a friendly and professionalwelcoming environment where we work together to help you be successful and develop your potential and your career.

• flex working
• a strong team culture
• competitive salary
• KiwiSaver
• life insurance and trauma protection
• subsidised medical cover and banking
• enhanced parental leave and childcare support

Recruitment Agencies: Our Talent team do not require any recruitment agency support.