Hello. We’re Virgin Australia. We’re the airline that’s always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. We’re on a mission to make flying better than ‘nice’. And to do that, it takes a team of talented people who are passionate about customer experience, doing the right thing always, with a focus on safety – in the air, on the ground and in our workplaces. A team who values real diversity and inclusion, in a big brand with big ambitions.

What you’ll be doing

This senior leadership position is an exciting opportunity to build on your passionate for data! As the Senior Manager Data Platforms, you will evolve and maintain the Data and AI Platforms to create integrity, maximise agility, accelerate modernisation, self-service and unlock efficiencies across Technology. You will sit in the Virgin Australia Technology function and report into the Head of Technology. Your leadership skills will be paramount, as you will have multiple direct and indirect reports and you will also manage an offshore service provider. 

Further responsibilities:

• Oversee the architecture of data and AI platforms within your remit that support organisational data strategies
• Develop long-term roadmaps for platform capabilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Technical Leadership and Governance (establish best practices for Data management on your data platform and create and enforce data security, privacy and compliance standards)
• Monitor platform and product performance and reliability and optimise costs for data and AI infrastructure
• Cross-functional collaboration with data science, engineering, business and executive teams
• Resource management, including managing and mentor data engineering and platform development teams and allocating resources in a cost effective manner
• Risk management and compliance, including ensuring platforms meet regulatory and internal policy, security and audit requirements are met
• Innovation and technology evaluation, staying current with emerging AI and data platform technologies
• Run meetings, workshops and forums, providing decision making, cascading messaging, strategy, direction setting and constructive feedback and advice
• Build, lead, support and manage a team of technical designers, developers, and platform engineers
• Manage OKRs (objectives and key results) with self and team, ensuring strategy and purpose is cascaded and understood
• Key relationship holder with business stakeholders to ensure fact-based business and IT alignment drives all decision making
• Work with Customers to build ‘Do-Now’, ‘Do Next’ and ‘Do After’ roadmaps for the platform and products

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate is a proven leader, natural influencer and communicator who manages a team of technical designers, analysts, developers and platform engineers and has experience in data project delivery, AI and GenAI, platform building and capability management. Experience with setting data platform and team vision and strategy is crucial. Will work with senior business stakeholders and peers in Digital Engineering, Cloud Ops and Integration to foster a DevOps and Agile culture.

You’ll be great in this role if you have…

• 15+ years' experience working in data, with extensive experience managing and leading large teams
• Proven ability to lead large, complex programs of work with high stakes
• Experience developing C-level relationship and resolving conflict and prioritisation challenges
• Experience managing an offshore vendor
• Proven history of driving data outcomes to enable transformation in a dynamic and complex operating environment
• Sound expertise in technology resource management
• Knowledge of modern data platforms and AI capabilities including RAG and Vector database technologies
• Experience working in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to provide delivery leadership to identify and create executable delivery plans
• Expertise in identifying customer needs and building delivery plans that add value to the business outcomes
• Sound understanding of the evolving digital world on both the demand side (how people/companies are using technology) and the supply side (emerging technologies)
• Extensive knowledge of modern data warehousing, data lake, data acquisition, and reporting technology. Previous experience with Databricks is advantageous, but no essential. 
• A strong commercial focus including business case development experience
• You are Brisbane based, or willing to relocate to Brisbane

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)
• A flexible, hybrid work style. Work from home or the office, adapt your location to suit your style and needs
• One of Brisbane’s most admired head office locations, with South Bank train station, a supermarket, pharmacy, and lunch options downstairs plus a 5-minute walk to the Busway, a rooftop restaurant and onsite gym (with a low membership fee) and South Bank Parklands just across the road
• Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide
• Cheaper hospitality, retail, technology, beauty and wellness services
• Free counselling and access to a wellbeing app to support your physical, mental, social and financial health
• ‘Dress for Your Day’ – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you.

When everyone is included, everyone wins

We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

Ready to apply?

We’re ready to hear from you. Apply now.