Lead Data Scientist

Create your best future and join Westpac as a Lead Data Scientist.

What's the role?

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Lead Data Scientist to join our Data Strategy, Cortex & AI Services team. In this role, you will drive the delivery of high-impact data science initiatives that align with the bank's strategic priorities and contribute to the growth of a centre of excellence for data science. You will provide technical leadership across advanced analytics, machine learning, and Generative AI projects, ensuring robust and scalable solutions while promoting ethical data practices.

You will set standards for model development and analytic delivery, guiding teams toward high-quality outcomes through mentorship and technical expertise. While this role does not include direct team management, you will support the development of others by fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment. Your contribution will be central to building technical capability, elevating data literacy, and embedding data-driven decision making across the organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of data science within a major financial institution. You will champion the use of advanced analytics, support the adoption of innovative AI capabilities, and demonstrate the tangible impact of data science on business performance and customer experience. If you are passionate about solving complex problems and enabling others to succeed through data, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: This position is open to candidates based interstate.

What do I need?

• Proven track record in leading, mentoring, and developing data science teams, cultivating a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and strategic delivery at scale.
• Extensive experience (7+ years) in designing, developing and deploying advanced generative AI models to address complex business challenges.
• Proven track record in delivering enterprise-scale AI solutions that align with strategic objectives.
• Expert-level understanding of deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative model architectures, with the ability to develop and optimise robust AI systems for production environments.
• Expert proficiency with leading machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras, setting technical vision and standards.
• Recognised thought leadership in NLP, large language models (LLMs), generative AI (GenAI), and computer vision, integrating advanced techniques and Microsoft Cognitive Services for innovation.
• Advanced Python programming skills, designing and reviewing complex codebases to ensure high standards in data science and engineering across teams.
• Significant experience leading AI initiatives on Azure or AWS cloud platforms, architecting and managing large-scale, secure, and scalable solutions.
• Experience building solutions leveraging frameworks such as LlamaIndex, LangChain, AutoGen, DSPy, etc.
• Familiarity with Graph databases and their usage pattern.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships, influence senior stakeholders, and advocate for a data-driven, innovative culture.
• Proven experience in supporting, mentoring, and uplifting data science professionals, with a focus on collaboration, continuous growth, and creating meaningful impact.

Why join us?

We're obsessed with becoming our customers' #1 banking partner for life and we're looking for people who are passionate about helping us achieve that goal. In return, we're committed to making Westpac the best place to work in the country. Here are just a few of the ways we're already doing that:

• Special offers on banking products and discounts from top brands, including generous employee-only mortgage rates
• Flexible work arrangements to help you achieve a greater work/life balance, and a variety of leave options including Culture, Lifestyle and Wellbeing leave.
• Tailored learning and development opportunities to help your grow your career within the bank.
• Lots of opportunities to 'give back' to the Community by getting involved in our many volunteering initiatives.

Create your future today

To get started, simply click on the APPLY or APPLY NOW button

We're all about creating a supportive and inclusive community. We welcome everyone – no matter your age, gender, background, or abilities. We also provide additional support to welcome our veterans, Indigenous Australians and neurodiverse community.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, you can find out more information and additional contact details by visiting the "People with Disability and/or needing Accessibility Requirements" page on our website .