Ai & Data Lead

Use AI to help save lives.

We’re Forwood, a remote Australian SaaS company building software that prevents fatalities in high-risk industries like mining, energy, and construction. Our platform helps clients spot hazards earlier, take decisive action, and protect their people.

We believe AI and data are central to this mission. If you’re a pragmatic, mission-driven leader ready to take AI from prototype to production and turn data into meaningful business outcomes, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

As AI & Data Lead, you’ll lead a small but mighty team across AI/ML, Data Engineering, and Data Science. You’ll set the strategy, lead delivery, and build partnerships, all while keeping a laser focus on real-world outcomes for users and the business.

You will:

• Craft and drive a multi-year AI/Data strategy linked to product and commercial goals
• Oversee delivery with outcome-based OKRs, investment cases, and portfolio reviews
• Set standards for data governance, Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), quality, and model management
• Embed Responsible AI practices into everything we build
• Bring AI agents and copilots to life across our internal tools and client-facing features
• Hire, grow, and support high-performing talent in a fully remote environment
• Represent AI/Data to customers, execs, and strategic partners.

What You Bring

This isn’t just a technical role. It’s a leadership opportunity for someone who can balance innovation, delivery, and care for people.

You’ll likely have:

• 8+ years in data, AI/ML, or engineering, with leadership over managers and senior ICs
• A track record of shipping production ML systems with clear business impact
• Experience with data/AI architecture and MLOps, enough to make the right high-level calls
• A strong foundation in Responsible AI, privacy, and governance
• Experience implementing agentic workflows or AI copilots for productivity or quality gains
• The ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity, across execs, customers, and peers

Preferred Experience

• Experience in safety, risk, or regulated domains (especially HSE)
• Building or monetizing data products in a SaaS setting
• Leading vendor/tooling strategies (e.g., AWS, GCP, Snowflake, Databricks)
• Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS ML Specialty, Google Data Engineer, DAMA CDMP)

How We Work

• Fully remote (Australia only)
• Mission-driven, low-ego, outcome-focused
• Competitive salary
• Ongoing investment in your professional growth
• You must have Australian working rights

Why Join Us?

If you want to do work that matters, with a clear link to impact, a high-performing team, and space to lead, this is the role. You’ll be shaping the future of AI at a company that’s serious about saving lives.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us shape the future of AI in safety