Director - Data and AI

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KordaMentha seeks a Director of Data and AI in Melbourne to lead architecture strategy and delivery for client engagements, partnering with C-suite stakeholders to design data platforms and AI capabilities. The role blends architecture leadership, client advisory and commercial insight to improve performance, manage risk and enable transformation, including Databricks architecture, data governance and privacy by design. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in data architecture or engineering, deep cloud experience across AWS, Azure and GCP, hands-on Databricks, and a proven ability to translate complex problems into business outcomes. Apply via the online portal, highlighting leadership, stakeholder influence and measurable impact; Australian Citizenship is required and Baseline Security Clearance is eligible. The firm values diversity.

Company Description

For more than 20 years, KordaMentha has supported businesses through some of their most complex matters and opportunities. Founder owned and led; we are an advisory firm that helps corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value.

That’s what we do, but it’s how we do this that makes us who we are.

Proudly independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our track record shows that we help navigate the best path forward in challenging times, and do so across cities, regions and territories.

In the most stressful or demanding environments, we continue to drive change where it really counts.

Job Description

At KordaMentha, we work alongside organisations to solve complex challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes. Our Technology & Data team is growing, and we are seeking a Director to lead architecture strategy and delivery across high-impact client engagements.

This is a role where you will work directly with executive stakeholders (CIO, CDO, CFO) to design and deliver modern, scalable data platforms and AI-enabled solutions.

As a Director, you will lead the design and implementation of end-to-end data and AI platforms, while shaping the strategic direction of our Data & AI offering.

You will bring together architecture leadership, client advisory, and commercial insight to deliver outcomes that improve performance, manage risk, and enable transformation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design of modern cloud data platforms (lakehouse, analytics and AI workloads)
• Advise senior executives on data and AI strategy and investment decisions
• Define and embed reference architectures, standards and reusable design patterns
• Lead architecture reviews, due diligence and platform assessments
• Translate complex business problems into scalable, pragmatic technology solutions
• Drive Databricks platform architecture, including Delta Lake and Unity Catalog
• Champion data governance practices (modelling, lineage, metadata, quality)
• Embed privacy-by-design and security-by-design aligned with regulatory expectations
• Lead workshops and discovery sessions to identify root causes and unlock value
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level architects and consultants
• Contribute to proposals, thought leadership and service innovation
• Build strong relationships with technology partners (e.g. Databricks, cloud providers)

Qualifications

You are a high-impact architect and trusted advisor with a strong track record of delivering enterprise data platforms and influencing senior stakeholders.

Your experience includes:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in data architecture or data engineering, including time spent in a consulting environment.
• Designing and delivering data & AI platforms across multiple industries
• Deep experience across AWS, Azure and/or GCP data ecosystems
• Hands-on expertise with Databricks and modern data patterns (lakehouse, data mesh, event-driven)
• Strong foundation in data management and governance
• Experience with AI/ML platforms or emerging use cases (e.g. LLM integration)
• Applying security, privacy and regulatory considerations in solution design
• Consulting experience with exposure to complex stakeholder environments

You bring:

• Strong commercial judgement and problem-solving capability
• Ability to translate technical concepts into clear, business-focused messaging
• Executive presence and credibility with senior stakeholders
• A collaborative, mentoring approach to building high-performing teams

Requirements

• Australian Citizenship (required)
• Eligible for Baseline Security Clearance
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline
• Cloud and architecture certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP, TOGAF, DAMA) are highly regarded

Additional Information

Join KordaMentha — Where Your Growth Is Our Priority

We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders
• Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
• Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
• Culture & Connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball.
• Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life.
• Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume via our online portal.

Recruitment and Search Firms:

While your interest is appreciated, KordaMentha does not take responsibility or accept charges for unsolicited approaches.

At KordaMentha, we believe there is strength in difference. Our entrepreneurial spirit expands the possibilities for action. We approach situations, challenges, and opportunities with optimism, curiosity, and diversity of thought. We seek novel solutions to problems and encourage unconventional and innovative approaches. 

Our team's diverse skillsets, backgrounds and experiences fuel KordaMentha's different mindset. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, recognising that talent and potential extend beyond traditional qualifications. Our selection process values diverse perspectives and considers each applicant's unique strengths and capabilities.