Head of AI and Data Capability

Head of AI & Data CapabilitySydney, AustraliaBuild the Future of AI, Data and Intelligent Insurance OperationsA leading Australian insurance organisation is embarking on one of the most ambitious AI and data transformation programs in the industry.We are seeking an exceptional Head of AI & Data Capability to establish and lead a newly formed enterprise capability that will help shape the next generation of data-driven decision making, intelligent automation and artificial intelligence across the organisation.This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up.Operating under the strategic direction of the Group CTO and working in close partnership with the Group Head of Strategic Projects, this executive leadership role will be responsible for building the organisation's AI & Data capability and leading the successful delivery of strategic AI and Data initiatives.The role will contribute to the evolution of the organisation's AI and Data strategy while establishing the team, operating model and technical capability required to execute it.The successful candidate will work closely with the Group Head of Strategic Projects who provides oversight of portfolio governance, delivery quality, investment governance, programme controls and strategic execution across all major technology initiatives.Together, these functions will ensure the organisation's AI and Data investments deliver measurable business outcomes while maintaining strong governance, transparency and executive accountability.The OpportunityThe organisation has already completed significant strategic planning, governance design and technology architecture work.The next stage is execution.You will be responsible for helping deliver two strategic enterprise programs:AI Transformation ProgramBuilding on extensive industry research, governance frameworks and solution architecture developed with leading advisory and technology partners, this program will establish scalable AI capability across the organisation, including:Generative AIMicrosoft CopilotAgentic AIIntelligent AutomationAI-powered business processesKnowledge and Decision IntelligenceEnterprise AI GovernanceEnterprise Data Platform ProgramYou will also lead the establishment of a modern enterprise data ecosystem built upon:Microsoft FabricDatabricksAzure Data ServicesLakehouse ArchitectureAdvanced Analytics & ReportingEnterprise Data GovernanceData Quality & Information ManagementTogether these initiatives will create the trusted data foundations required to enable AI at scale and transform how the organisation operates, serves customers and supports brokers.Strategic Leadership PartnershipsThis role will operate as a key member of the broader technology and transformation leadership team and will work in close partnership with:Group CTOContribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the AI & Data Strategy.Execute strategic priorities and technology roadmaps.Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies, AI and data trends.Translate strategy into practical business outcomes.Group Head of Strategic ProjectsPartner on the mobilisation and governance of all AI & Data initiatives.Support portfolio planning, investment governance and prioritisation activities.Operate within established delivery, quality and governance frameworks.Contribute to executive and board-level reporting.Ensure programmes meet agreed outcomes, controls and benefit realisation objectives.Partner in defining capability requirements and recruitment priorities across the AI & Data function.Cyber Security, Architecture, Risk & Governance TeamsEmbed security-by-design and governance-by-design principles.Align Data and AI initiatives with enterprise standards and controls.Support responsible AI practices and regulatory compliance.Ensure appropriate risk management, privacy and cyber security outcomes.Enable innovation while maintaining strong governance and trust.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and Lead the CapabilityEstablish and lead the organisation's AI & Data capability.Partner with the Group Head of Strategic Projects to design, recruit and build a high-performing team.Develop workforce plans, organisation structures and capability roadmaps.Build and mentor specialists across Data Engineering, Analytics, AI Engineering, Data Governance and Information Management.Establish a culture focused on innovation, delivery excellence and measurable business outcomes.Define strategic partner and vendor engagement models.Deliver Strategic AI & Data InitiativesDrive execution of the AI & Data roadmap.Lead complex programs spanning technology, business process and operating model change.Translate strategic direction into executable initiatives.Establish delivery frameworks, operating models and governance mechanisms.Identify and prioritise opportunities that deliver measurable business value.Data Platform & Lakehouse TransformationLead delivery of a modern enterprise data platform based on Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Azure and contemporary lakehouse principles.Establish trusted, governed and scalable data foundations.Improve data quality, lineage, metadata management and accessibility.Enable advanced analytics, reporting and AI-ready information assets.Drive the transition to a unified enterprise data ecosystem.AI, Automation & Emerging TechnologyLead implementation of Generative AI, Agentic AI and Intelligent Automation initiatives.Drive enterprise adoption of Microsoft Copilot and AI-enabled business capabilities.Establish AI delivery standards and operating practices.Develop scalable approaches for implementing AI safely and effectively.Create repeatable frameworks that allow innovation to occur at enterprise scale.Governance, Security & Responsible AIPartner with Cyber Security, Risk and Governance teams to establish AI and Data controls.Embed secure-by-design and privacy-by-design principles.Support implementation of AI governance, assurance and monitoring frameworks.Ensure solutions meet regulatory, security and compliance requirements.Promote responsible AI adoption, transparency and operational controls.What We're Looking ForLeadership ExperienceSignificant experience leading enterprise AI, Data, Analytics or Digital Transformation functions.Proven track record building teams and capabilities from inception.Demonstrated success delivering large-scale transformation programs.Strong commercial acumen and executive stakeholder management skills.Experience engaging with Boards, Executive Committees and senior business leaders.Ability to balance strategic thinking with delivery execution.Technical ExpertiseExperience across many of the following areas:Microsoft FabricDatabricksAzure Data ServicesAzure AI FoundryEnterprise Data WarehousingLakehouse ArchitectureData EngineeringAnalytics PlatformsPower BIArtificial IntelligenceMachine LearningGenerative AIAgentic AIMicrosoft CopilotInformation ManagementData GovernanceAutomation PlatformsHighly Desirable ExperienceInsurance, Financial Services or other regulated industries.Working closely with Cyber Security, Technology Risk and Governance functions.AI Governance and Responsible AI frameworks.Enterprise-scale transformation and change programmes.Building Centres of Excellence or specialist capability teams.Personal AttributesYou are:A builder rather than a caretaker.Equally comfortable discussing board strategy and solution architecture.Passionate about technology innovation and business transformation.Skilled at attracting and developing exceptional talent.Able to navigate ambiguity and create clarity.Energised by the challenge of creating something genuinely new.Why This Role Is DifferentMost AI and Data leadership positions involve inheriting an existing team.This role is about building one.You will help establish a capability that sits at the heart of two strategic technology programmes that will reshape how insurance products are designed, serviced, analysed and delivered.You will recruit the team, establish the operating model, work alongside executive leadership, partner closely with the Group Head of Strategic Projects and existing Cyber Security and Governance functions, and help deliver cutting-edge AI and Data capabilities that most organisations are only beginning to explore.If you're looking for a role where you can build a lasting legacy, influence enterprise direction and deliver genuine transformation, we would love to hear from you.Join us and help define the next generation of insurance. 🚀LinkedIn Headline:Head of AI & Data Capability | Build an Enterprise AI & Data Function | Lead AI, Copilot, Agentic AI & Lakehouse Transformation | Executive Leadership OpportunityProvide your feedback on BizChat