Head of AI, Automation & Analytics

UpGuard

. Set A3's charter, operating model, and rolling six-month strategy .

Posted 11/7/2026full-timeRemote • AustraliaLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cloud infrastructure, security, and automation engineering, with a strong focus on AI capabilities and production systems on Google Cloud. Proven ability to lead technical teams, set strategic objectives, and effectively communicate across various stakeholder groups.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cloud Infrastructure EngineeringAI Capabilities DevelopmentTeam Leadership and Strategy SettingGoogle Cloud ServicesInfrastructure as Code (Terraform)

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Automation EngineeringProduction Systems ManagementLarge Language ModelsAI AgentsRAG and Model Context Protocol (MCP)KubernetesIdentity and Access ManagementPerformance ManagementCapacity PlanningProcess Automation

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationStrong Verbal CommunicationStakeholder ManagementProblem SolvingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Google CloudN8nTerraformKubernetesAI Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Relevant Cloud CertificationSecurity CertificationAI Certification

Industry Keywords

CybersecurityComplianceSOC 2Automation GovernanceEnterprise Team Experience

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityKubernetesTerraform

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set A3's charter, operating model, and rolling six-month strategy
Define quarterly OKRs and report progress to the Steering Committee and Executive Committee
Decide which processes to automate and which AI capabilities to build
Own the roadmap for ug-buddy, UpGuard's internal AI co-worker
Lead, coach, and performance-manage the A3 team; design roles and recruit team members
Run delivery processes including fortnightly sprints, prioritisation, and capacity planning
Set technical direction and architecture for AI agents, RAG, MCP integrations, and workflow automation
Review production readiness of systems built on Google Cloud services and n8n
Deliver cross-functional automations such as employee offboarding across identity, collaboration, and HR systems
Establish production automation standards, audit the platform, and drive remediation
Work with Cloud Platform Engineering and Security on hosting, access control, and incident response
Perform AI risk reviews for vendor procurement
Own A3 tooling and vendor relationships
Act as the single point of contact for AI, automation, and analytics requests
Work with department heads to map processes and determine what A3 will build or enable
Drive company-wide awareness through documentation, communication, and training
Collaborate with executives, department heads, engineering, IT, security, analytics teams, and external vendors

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Bachelor's Degree in software engineering, computer science, cybersecurity or a related field
Several years of experience in cloud infrastructure, security and automation engineering, including production systems on Google Cloud
Working knowledge of large language models, AI agents, RAG and the Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform), containers, Kubernetes, and Identity and Access Management
Experience leading and growing a technical team, setting strategy and OKRs, and reporting to executives
Ability to run several workstreams and stakeholder groups simultaneously, keep people informed, and resolve blockers
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining technical decisions, risks and trade-offs to technical and non-technical audiences
Comfortable with UpGuard's tenet of 'radical candour'
Relevant cloud, security or AI certification is advantageous, especially from Google Cloud
Enterprise-team experience, particularly with internal customers, is advantageous
Background in security operations or compliance, such as SOC 2, applied to AI and automation governance
Must undertake a national police history check and reference checks before starting
Must have unrestricted Australian work rights or an Australian visa/work authorization, as addressed in the application form

Benefits

Comp & perks

Monthly Lifestyle subsidy for financial, physical, and mental well-being
WFH set-up allowance
$1500 USD annual Learning & Development allowance
Annual leave/PTO plus two additional UpGuardian leave days
18 weeks paid Parental Leave
Personal Leave Allowance including sick and carer’s leave
Fully remote working environment with no compulsory office attendance
Top-spec laptops provided
Paid subscriptions for generative AI tools