Head of AI, Consumer in Sydney

This role is pivotal in transforming how Westpac leverages data and AI to drive strategic decision-making, improve customer outcomes, and enhance operational efficiency. You’ll define and lead the decision science strategy across Consumer banking encompassing Home Lending, Every Day Banking, Consumer Finance and retail/front-line teams. 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.

This role is responsible for driving thought leadership and innovation in AI, enabling improved customer outcomes and enhanced operational performance through applied AI for the Consumer bank. 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 and execution for the Consumer division.
• Work at the forefront of AI-led transformation.
• Influence senior stakeholders and shape strategic outcomes.

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.

Our Promise to You:

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 you 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:

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 more information and contact details on our FAQs and how to contact us page, under the ‘Diversity, sustainability and flexibility’ section.

We may close this job advertisement earlier than the advertised closing date if suitable candidates are identified. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.