Principal AI Architect

PRINCIPAL AI ARCHITECT

Sydney | Permanent | $180,000-$220,000 + Super + Bonus

Our client has spent the last two years building the data foundations required to do AI properly. The platform is in place, executive sponsorship exists, and investment has been committed. The challenge now is turning that foundation into intelligence, automation and measurable business outcomes.

This is the most senior AI role in the organisation and a rare opportunity to shape how AI is adopted across a large-scale Australian business. Working directly with executive leadership, you’ll define strategy, identify high-value opportunities and build solutions that move beyond experimentation into production.

If you’re looking for a role where you can influence direction, solve complex problems and remain hands-on with technology, this is an opportunity to have genuine impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This role sits at the intersection of AI, data and business transformation. You’ll help determine where AI can create the greatest value, establish the roadmap and deliver solutions that improve decision-making, operational performance and automation across the organisation.

Success in this role will come from balancing technical depth with commercial thinking. Knowing when to apply the latest AI capability and knowing when a simpler approach will deliver a better outcome.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Define the organisation’s AI strategy and technical direction
• Identify and prioritise high-value AI opportunities
• Design and deliver production AI and machine learning solutions
• Build RAG, agentic and intelligent automation capabilities
• Develop forecasting, optimisation and recommendation models
• Partner with senior business and technology stakeholders
• Establish AI governance, evaluation and responsible AI practices
• Remain hands-on across architecture, experimentation and delivery

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Establishing a clear AI roadmap aligned to business priorities
• Delivering production AI solutions that create measurable outcomes
• Building trust and credibility with executive stakeholders
• Creating scalable foundations for future AI initiatives
• Becoming the organisation’s recognised AI subject matter expert

ABOUT YOU

You’ve built and delivered real solutions, not just recommendations. You combine technical capability with strong commercial judgement and enjoy solving problems that don’t come with a predefined answer.

You may come from AI Engineering, Machine Learning, Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Solution Architecture or Technology Consulting. What matters most is your ability to take an idea from concept through to production and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

EXPERIENCE WE’D LOVE TO SEE

• Production AI, machine learning or advanced analytics delivery experience
• Strong Python and software engineering capability
• Experience with LLMs, RAG architectures, agentic systems or intelligent automation
• Modern cloud and data platform experience
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Experience solving business problems through technology
• Exposure to consumer, retail, hospitality, logistics or other operationally complex environments

WHY APPLY

• Own the AI direction for a major Australian business
• Work directly with executive leadership
• Build solutions that solve meaningful business problems
• Join at a pivotal stage of the organisation’s AI journey
• Influence long-term technology and AI strategy
• Create lasting impact across a large-scale operation

If you’re excited by the opportunity to combine strategy, architecture and hands-on delivery while helping shape the future of AI within a major organisation, we’d love to hear from you.