Head of Technology - Data & AI Engineering - Hawthorn East
Join to apply for theHead of Technology - Data & AI Engineering - Hawthorn Eastrole atColes Group
The Data Team within Coles Technology focuses on building data collection and analytics capabilities to uncover customer, product, and operational insights, supporting a data-driven organisation.
About The Role
This exciting position within our Data and Intelligence team will be pivotal in architecting and leading the development of scalable, high-performance AI/ML and data solutions.
To be successful, you will aim for the following:
Lead domain-specific squads including software engineers, data engineers, ML engineers, data scientists, and UX designers
Ensure measurable business value from AI and data engineering efforts, aligning with corporate plan outcomes
Integrate AI solutions seamlessly into domain-specific applications and systems for efficient deployment
Establish best practices for software development, data engineering, and AI/ML model development
Implement and optimize automation for rapid and reliable deployments
Ensure AI and data solutions comply with security and compliance requirements
Collaborate with product and platform leads for smooth integration of AI solutions and data infrastructure
Cultivate a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, exploring new technologies and strategies
Make procurement decisions and implementing in-house builds or vendor solutions
Responsibilities include building strong, mutually beneficial relationships between product teams, Technology leaders and enterprise stakeholders to define priorities, report on progress, and integrate AI and data solutions into business initiatives while elevating the software engineering practice within Data and AI disciplines.
You will provide thought leadership and maintain strong technical understanding of evolving AI and data domains to inform corporate roadmaps and capabilities.
Known for influence, respect, and trust, you will excel in communication and strategic alignment.
Balancing people, process, and technology, you will influence beyond technology to engage broader stakeholders.
Experience Required
Proven years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with clear progression into management roles
Proven ability to design and architect complex scalable AI/ML systems and data pipelines
Software engineering background with strong programming skills
Experience with GenAI and agentic workflows
Significant experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Blend of software engineering and machine learning experience
Experience with cloud data platforms (Snowflake, DataBricks) and reporting tools (Power BI)
Experience with MLOps practices (CI/CD, model monitoring, etc.)
Evidence of building AI models and integrating them into business workflows (API management, load management, integration, data security, logging)
Experience in complex corporate environments; retail experience preferred
Understanding of delivering under Agile methodology
Commercial Skills And Formal Qualifications
Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++
Experience with ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
Knowledge of data engineering tools and technologies (Spark, Kafka, databases)
Cloud platform expertise
Leadership and team management skills
Good understanding of software architecture
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Maths, or related field
What's in it for you?
Flexible working options with hybrid arrangements
Office perks including gym facilities, free parking, and on-site amenities
Discounts: 5% year-round on supermarket and liquor purchases, with additional double discounts at times
Recognition through Coles values via digital platform with points for gifts and cards
Learning and development opportunities across career programs and training
Paid parental leave for permanent team members
Investment in your future through an employee share plan (pre-tax salary sacrifice deductions)
About The Recruitment Process
Coles is committed to building a gender-equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming team.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to adjust the recruitment process to support candidates with disability.
For information, see the Our Recruitment Process section of our careers site or email
Job ID 164945
Employment Type Full time
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Information Technology
Retail
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