- Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed Term 12-month role.
- Remuneration: Total Remuneration Package
- Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model)
About UNSW
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.
Why your role matters
The Head of Data Platforms leads the development and enhancement of the enterprise data platform within the Enterprise Data Office. This role ensures the University’s data environments, including the Azure Lakehouse, are secure, governed, and optimized to support analytics, AI, and evidence-based decision-making.
By defining the strategic approach to data integration and scaled AI deployments, the position collaborates with IT, Cyber Security, and various faculties to deliver high-performing, resilient platforms. Reporting to the Director of Data Analytics, the role manages a dedicated team to maintain institutional standards for security and compliance.
About the Role
The successful applicant will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:
- Lead the design, architecture, and management of enterprise data platforms, ensuring all initiatives align with the University’s Data & AI Strategy and represent the EDO in technology forums.
- Oversee the Lakehouse and Azure environments to provide secure, high-quality data access while acting as the technical authority for managing platform risk and change.
- Establish architecture standards for data integration and ingestion, embedding modern DataOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure-as-Code practices to drive automation and reliability.
- Enable the deployment and operationalization of scalable AI and machine learning solutions using enterprise-grade patterns and AIOps to support University-wide adoption.
- Partner with IT and Cyber Security to ensure platforms remain resilient and compliant with privacy and governance requirements while leading any necessary audit remediation.
- Direct a high-performing team and manage vendor contracts and budgets to deliver innovative, value-for-money data services in collaboration with senior university stakeholders.
About You
- Hold a relevant tertiary qualification in computer science or a related field, supported by extensive experience leading enterprise-scale data platform environments.
- Demonstrate a proven track record in designing and implementing large-scale cloud platforms, specifically utilizing Azure and Databricks to support analytics and AI.
- Maintain deep expertise in modern architecture and engineering practices, including Lakehouse structures, DataOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure-as-Code.
- Exhibit experience in operationalizing scalable machine learning capabilities and supporting the secure, repeatable deployment of models within enterprise systems.
- Possess the ability to influence senior technology leaders and stakeholders, providing strategic advice that aligns IT, cyber security, and business objectives.
- Show strong leadership in managing multidisciplinary technical teams, vendors, and budgets to deliver sustainable, high-value data services in complex environments.
For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description
How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the Position Description) before Monday 27th April by 11:55pm.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.
UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:
- Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:
- National and International Criminal history checks
- Entitlement to work and ID checks
- Working With Children Checks
- Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
- Verification of relevant qualifications
- Verification of relevant professional membership
- Employment history and reference checks
- Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
- Medical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
