Senior Director, Data and AI Engineering

Optus is a leading telecommunications company, delivering innovative solutions that connect millions of Australians every day. As we continue to accelerate our transformation into a technology‑led organisation, data and AI are central to how we create value, drive trust, and unlock new experiences for our customers.

This is a senior executive leadership role responsible for shaping, scaling and governing Optus’ enterprise AI and Data Engineering capability, delivering secure, trusted and high‑impact data products, machine learning and AI solutions at scale.

What You’ll Do

Partnering closely with the EGM Data Office, CIO, and senior leaders across Optus, you will be responsible for:

• Leading the AI and Data Engineering Centre of Excellence, establishing trusted, scalable platforms for data, ML and AI across the enterprise.
• Owning and evolving Optus’ data, ML and AI engineering strategy, aligned to business priorities, regulatory requirements and the enterprise roadmap.
• Driving modern engineering practices across data pipelines, analytics engineering, ML platforms and AI enablement, including CI/CD, automation, observability and infrastructure‑as‑code.
• Ensuring security, governance and data quality by design, embedding privacy, compliance and ethical AI principles across the full engineering lifecycle.
• Providing thought leadership on emerging AI, ML and data technologies, translating innovation into practical, value‑driven outcomes.
• Leading safe and effective adoption of AI technologies, including ML platforms, GenAI and agentic frameworks, to drive productivity and business impact.
• Setting engineering standards, patterns and frameworks to enable reusable, performant and cost‑efficient data and AI solutions.
• Partnering with business, product and technology leaders to deliver measurable outcomes, not just platforms.
• Developing and leading high‑performing teams, building strong capability pathways across data engineering, analytics engineering, ML engineering and AI engineering.
• Attracting, developing and retaining top talent, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, continuous learning, accountability and inclusion.
• Managing strategic vendor partnerships to accelerate delivery and innovation while ensuring strong governance and value.

What You’ll Bring

• 10+ years’ experience leading large‑scale data, AI or engineering organisations in complex, enterprise environments.
• Proven success building and scaling modern data and AI platforms, ideally in cloud‑based ecosystems.
• Strong expertise across data engineering, ML engineering, MLOps and AI enablement, with a clear understanding of end‑to‑end delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to set engineering strategy and standards while enabling teams to execute with autonomy and accountability.
• Deep understanding of data governance, security, privacy and regulatory obligations, embedded into engineering practices.
• Experience leading large, matrixed teams and influencing senior stakeholders at executive level.
• Strong commercial and delivery mindset, balancing innovation with reliability, cost and risk.
• A leadership style that models Optus values, encourages learning, and drives continuous improvement.

The Good Stuff…

• Competitive executive remuneration and employee discounts, including $80 monthly Optus credit and 25% off Optus products.
• Flexible working arrangements with a hybrid office/home model.
• Vibrant campus facilities including cafes, gym, on‑site childcare and wellbeing services.
• Competitive leave benefits, including additional “Connected” days.
• Inclusive, carer‑neutral paid parental leave of up to 16 weeks.
• Ongoing development through Optus U and industry‑aligned learning opportunities.
• Wellbeing support with free, confidential counselling services available 24/7.
• A genuinely inclusive culture where diversity, belonging and individuality are valued.

At Optus, we’re strengthened by our differences. We’re committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. If you need adjustment or support throughout the process, our Accessible Recruitment team is here to help.