Job Description

Head of AI

This role is pivotal in transforming how Westpac leverages data and AI to drive strategic decision-making, improve customer outcomes, and enhance operational efficiency.

The role will lead a team of AI specialists and work closely across technical and business teams to embed applied science into Westpac’s culture, platforms, and processes. It will play a key role in shaping the division’s AI strategy and future direction.

How will I help?

This role is responsible for driving thought leadership and innovation in AI, enabling improved customer outcomes and enhanced operational performance through applied AI.

As Head of AI, you will lead a team of experts across a range of data science and engineering disciplines, partnering closely with senior stakeholders in the business unit to deliver outcomes across platforms, processes, and culture. The role will play a key part in shaping the organisation’s future through innovation, machine learning, agentic AI, and responsible AI practices.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the business AI strategy aligned to divisional objectives.
• Lead and grow a high-performing team of AI scientists
• Drive the development of predictive models, agentic solutions, and frontier AI capabilities
• Ensure strong statistical rigour and best practice experimentation across all modelling activities
• Translate complex business problems into actionable AI solutions
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Product, Technology, Risk, and Operations to deliver impactful outcomes
• Provide advice to executive leadership on data-led strategy and opportunities
• Champion ethical AI, innovation, and responsible use of data
• Ensure compliance with AI governance and risk management frameworks
• Monitor model performance, manage risk, and drive continuous improvement

What’s in it for me?

• Opportunity to lead AI strategy ad execution for the division
• Work at the forefront of AI-led transformation
• Influence senior stakeholders and shape strategic outcomes
• Lead innovation in a highly regulated, complex environment

What do I need?

• Proven experience in building and leading AI teams
• Deep knowledge of contemporary AI tools and techniques, including machine learning, LLMs, agentic AI, prompt design, MLOps and scalable cloud-based deployment
• Experience deploying models and AI applications at scale in mission-critical contexts
• Proficiency in tools such as Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation platforms
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead cultural change and uplift organisational capability
• Passion for ethical AI and customer-centric innovation

What’s it like to work here?

We’re committed to creating better futures for our customers, communities and people. You’ll be supported to grow your career, work flexibly, and be part of a collaborative and inclusive environment where innovation is encouraged.

Create your future today

To get started, simply click Apply or Apply Now

Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences and abilities, and we provide additional support for veterans, Indigenous Australians and our neurodiverse community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please refer to our FAQs or contact us via the Diversity, sustainability and flexibility section.