Senior Manager Data & AI Governance

Company Description

Fairness feels good

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Job Description

As we expand our use of data and artificial intelligence, we’re committed to doing it safely, ethically and thoughtfully, always with fairness at the centre.

In this newly created position, The Senior Manager - Data & AI Governance, will lead AFCA’s approach to responsible data and AI adoption. This role owns the end‑to‑end Data & AI governance lifecycle, from frameworks and policy design through to evaluation, assurance and ongoing oversight, ensuring data and AI initiatives deliver value while managing risk.

Reporting to the Head of Data & Analytics, you’ll partner closely with leaders across the organisation to embed strong governance practices that support innovation while protecting our people, customers and community.

What you’ll do

• Own and maintain AFCA’s Data and AI governance frameworks, aligned to regulatory developments, Australia’s AI Ethics Principles and organisational needs
• Lead data quality standards and practices, ensuring data is fit for purpose for operational use and AI applications
• Support the evaluation and assessment of AI tools, including testing for accuracy, bias, reliability and fitness for purpose
• Integrate data and AI governance with privacy, information management and information security frameworks, from approval through to implementation
• Drive cross‑functional governance forums, coordinating assessments and preparing clear recommendations for decision‑making bodies
• Maintain enterprise inventories of approved data and AI tools and key data assets, leading periodic suitability and compliance reviews
• Monitor external developments in AI regulation, ethics and assurance, advising leaders on implications and required actions
• Lead, coach and develop the Manager, Data Governance and Information Management and their team, ensuring alignment across governance activities

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Extensive experience in governance, risk, compliance or technology roles, with a focus on AI governance, data governance or AI assurance.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing governance frameworks for AI or emerging technology in a regulated or compliance-sensitive environment.
• Experience leading or participating in cross-functional working groups or governance committees.
• Experience in financial services, digital‑first organisations or highly regulated environments highly regarded.
• Strong hands‑on delivery leadership, with the ability to move between strategic oversight and execution.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and complex stakeholder groups.
• Strong commercial, risk and dependency management capability.
• Clear communicator able to simplify complexity and build trust across business and technology domains.
• Growth mindset with a practical, outcome‑focused approach.
• Resilient, adaptable and calm in high‑change environments.

Additional Information

• Silver AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with two days a week in our modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Additional and inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period.

To apply

If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at Careers@afca.org.au.

We believe fairness starts with people. That’s why we don’t use AI or automated tools to screen candidates. As a result, our processes may take a little longer, and we thank you for your patience.

About AFCA

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) was established in 2018 as a private not-for-profit ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. The original team has grown to over 1600 dedicated professionals. Since 2018, AFCA has received more than 634,000 complaints, helping to secure $2.1 billion in compensation for consumers. 

AFCA is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.