Head of Data

About us 

The Essential Services Commission is Victoria’s independent economic regulator of essential services supplied by a range of industries. The commission’s functions include:

• making regulatory decisions with respect to prescribed industries (including price determinations, licensing, customer protection and access disputes).
• undertaking reviews and providing advice to Ministers on a range of economic and regulatory matters.
• administering the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

About the role

The Head of Data is responsible for establishing and progressively building the commission’s enterprise data capability so that data is trusted, well managed and used to support regulatory decision-making, operational efficiency and digital transformation.

This is a hands-on senior specialist and leadership role for a pragmatic data practitioner who can set direction, build foundations and work alongside business and technology teams to deliver practical and innovative data improvements. The role will lead the development of fit for purpose data governance, priority data products, data quality practices, metadata, lineage, stewardship and common data definitions.

Working closely with the CIO, IT leaders and business areas, the role will support the design and delivery of data platforms, data pipelines, analytics ready datasets and governed semantic models. It will also introduce practical DataOps practices and support safe, accountable use of AI assisted data tools.

The role will provide organisation wide leadership through influence, business partnering, coaching, vendor engagement and matrix delivery. The role will help reduce reliance on manual spreadsheets and undocumented extracts, improve confidence in reporting and analytics, and build the data foundations needed for responsible AI and better regulatory decision making.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Key accountabilities

• Design and establish a pragmatic enterprise data governance model, including data ownership, stewardship, data quality, metadata, lineage, classification, access and lifecycle practices.
• Lead the development of priority data products and data foundations that improve reporting, insight, regulatory intelligence and trusted decision-making across the commission.
• Work hands-on with internal teams, vendors and partners to shape and, where required, build data pipelines, data models, data integration patterns and analytics-ready datasets using fit for purpose cloud and Microsoft-aligned platforms.
• Introduce practical DataOps practices, including source control, repeatable data pipelines, automated testing, release controls, quality checks, documentation and monitoring.
• Explore and apply AI-assisted DataOps safely and pragmatically, including schema mapping, transformation scaffolding, test generation, documentation and pipeline troubleshooting, with appropriate human review and governance.

Please refer to the attached position description for the principal functions and key selection criteria.

How to apply

Click the ‘apply now’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

All applications should include:

• a resume; and
• a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, highlighting your skills and relevant experience in relation to the role.

For further information about the role, please contact David Martin, CIO at david.martin@esc.vic.gov.au

Our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace

Be part of a highly respected and professional organisation that allows you to apply your knowledge while supporting flexible working arrangements that allow you to balance work and life. You’ll be working in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth. 

We are Equal Employment Opportunity employer with inclusive leaders committed to driving a workplace culture that prioritises equity, safety, respect, and flexibility for all staff. We uphold the principles of Aboriginal self-determination in caring for our community.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, gender identity, parental/carer status, ability, religion, or cultural backgrounds.

If you require any adjustments to equitably participate in the recruitment process, or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please contact people.culture@esc.vic.gov.au for support.

Other relevant information

Applicants must have corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period to be appointed to this role. Ongoing positions are only available to Australian/New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents. 

Preferred applicants are required to undergo mandatory pre-employment screening, which includes a national criminal history check, right to work verification, qualification checks, statutory declaration disclosing any previous misconduct investigations and declaration of private interests.