Senior Director, Data & AI Governance

Optus is a leading telecommunications company known for delivering innovative customer solutions, transforming the industry, and evolving into a technology-driven organisation. With a strong commitment to excellence and a customer-centric mindset, we are accelerating our data and AI strategy to unlock new value while ensuring trust, transparency, and responsible innovation.

What You’ll Do

Partnering closely with the VP, Data Office, senior leaders, and key stakeholders across Optus, you will be responsible for:

• Leading the enterprise Data & AI Governance function, establishing best-practice frameworks, policies, and controls that enable safe, ethical, and compliant use of data and AI across the organisation
• Defining and executing the enterprise-wide data governance strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals, regulatory requirements, and cross-functional collaboration
• Setting policies, standards, and controls across data quality, metadata, lineage, access management, and stewardship to ensure consistent and trusted data use
• Driving responsible AI adoption, including the development of governance frameworks focused on fairness, transparency, accountability, and explainability
• Overseeing AI lifecycle governance, from data sourcing and model development through to deployment, monitoring, and risk management
• Establishing model risk and compliance oversight, including bias detection, model documentation, and auditability across all AI initiatives
• Building and maintaining an enterprise AI register, ensuring visibility, traceability, and transparency of AI models and use cases
• Championing data quality and stewardship, embedding ownership across business domains with clear accountability and measurable outcomes
• Partnering with legal, risk, compliance, and technology teams to manage regulatory obligations and data-related risks
• Driving a culture of data literacy and responsible innovation through training, engagement, and enterprise capability uplift
• Leading governance councils and executive forums, influencing decision-making at the highest levels

What You’ll Bring

• Proven executive leadership experience in data governance, data strategy, or AI governance within complex, large-scale organisations
• Deep expertise in data governance frameworks, data quality management, metadata, and regulatory compliance
• Strong understanding of AI/ML governance, responsible AI practices, and emerging regulatory landscapes
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale governance operating models across federated environments
• Exceptional stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Experience balancing innovation with risk management and compliance in data-driven organisations
• Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes
• Strong people leadership capability, with experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams
• Commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, programs, and strategic investments

The Good Stuff…

• Competitive remuneration and employee discounts, including monthly credits and savings on Optus products
• Flexible working arrangements with a mix of office and remote work
• Access to a vibrant campus with on-site facilities including gym, cafés, childcare, and more
• Inclusive parental leave and supportive policies for growing families
• Ongoing learning and development through Optus U and industry partnerships
• Employee-led diversity and inclusion networks fostering a culture of belonging
• 24/7 wellbeing support services for you and your family

At Optus, we are strengthened by others. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, we’re here to support you.