Head of AI

We're on a mission to bring new and uplifting experiences to our guests, transforming flying from simply 'nice', to something wonderful.

Like any good mission, this one starts with our people.

Which is why we encourage our team to embody the fun, laid back, authentic spirit we've become famous for. Because when they're free to be themselves, they're better able to own their personal responsibilities and go the extra mile to help our guests.

Full-Time (Permanent)

Brisbane, Sydney

IT

Hello. We're Virgin Australia. We're the airline that's always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. We're on a mission to make flying better than 'nice'. And to do that, it takes a team of talented people who are passionate about customer experience, doing the right thing always, with a focus on safety – in the air, on the ground and in our workplaces. A team who values real diversity and inclusion, in a big brand with big ambitions.

What you'll be doing:

As Head of AI, you'll drive our AI vision from strategy to execution. You will set the direction, lead innovation, and roll up your sleeves to bring cutting-edge solutions to life. This role blends visionary leadership with deep technical know-how, making you the force behind how AI transforms our organisation.

You'll be great in this role if you:

• Come with 8+ years of professional experience in AI/ML development and deployment
• Have 5+ years in leadership roles managing technical teams
• Are formally trained in machine learning fundamentals and statistical methods
• Have a proven track record of delivering AI solutions from proof-of-concept to production scale
• Are experienced in working in cross-functional environments with product, engineering, and business teams
• Have demonstrated success in scaling AI initiatives within an organisation
• Enjoy strategy and roadmap development and communication
• Have strategic thinking and business acumen with ability to translate technical concepts into business value
• Have project management and delivery execution skills
• Are a natural at stakeholder management and influence without authority
• Have experience in financial modelling and business case development
• Have a degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related technical field
• Have previous experience in consulting or client-facing roles (desirable)
• Have a background in the Airline Industry (desirable)
• Are fluent in multiple programming languages, technologies and Agile and DevOps methodologies (desirable)
• Have done vendor negotiation and contract management (desirable)
• Come with risk management and compliance expertise (desirable)

What you'll get from us:

We're committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Heavily discounted air travel for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)
• Flexible working arrangements (including work hours and work from home)
• Discounts on travel insurance, car hire, accommodation and experiences worldwide
• Hospitality, retail, technology, beauty services and wellness discounts
• Wellness support, including the Converge digital wellbeing platform
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential coaching and support from qualified professionals for all aspects of life – physical, mental, social and financial
• Dress for Your Day – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever is appropriate for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you

Equality rules:

We're all individuals. We love that. That's why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

Ready to apply? We're ready to hear from you. Apply now.