Data & AI Security Lead

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced cyber security professional who combines strong technical expertise with strategic thinking and stakeholder influence. You will lead the development of data and AI security standards provide expert guidance on emerging technology risks and help ensure security is embedded into Downers rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Reporting to the Cyber Platform Manager (SecOps) this role sits within the Security Engineering & Platforms team and works closely with Cyber Security Group Technology Risk Privacy Legal and business stakeholders to deliver secure practical and risk-aligned outcomes.

This role offers the opportunity to influence security strategy and drive meaningful outcomes across some of Downers most critical operational environments.

The position can be based in Sydney (North Ryde) Melbourne (Collins Street) or Brisbane (Milton).

About the Role

In this role you will:

• Define and maintain data and AI security standards controls policies and governance frameworks aligned to Downers cyber strategy and risk appetite.
• Provide security-by-design guidance to support the safe adoption of data platforms analytics capabilities and AI-enabled solutions.
• Assess data and AI security risks including data handling access controls model risks automation risks and third-party dependencies.
• Partner with Privacy Legal Risk Architecture Application Security and Technology teams to embed security controls into business and technology initiatives.
• Support monitoring incident response activities and remediation planning for data and AI security events.
• Develop reporting and insights on data and AI security posture emerging risks control maturity and remediation activities.
• Drive awareness and education across the organisation to promote responsible and secure use of data and artificial intelligence.
• Translate complex technical risks into clear business recommendations and actionable outcomes.
• Champion the development and implementation of AI solutions within the wider cyber security team.

This is a highly visible role where you will contribute to strategic decision-making while helping shape the future of data and AI security across a large and diverse enterprise environment.

Our Ideal Candidate

You are a collaborative and forward-thinking cyber security professional with strong expertise in data protection governance and risk management. You are comfortable navigating emerging technologies influencing stakeholders and balancing security requirements with business objectives.

You bring a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and enjoy working across technical and non-technical teams to deliver practical effective security outcomes.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelors degree in cyber security computer science information technology management information systems or equivalent practical experience.

• 7 years commercial experience in information technology or cyber security with relevant experience in the role domain.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of NIST standards ISO/IEC 27001 ASD Essential Eight and cyber security controls.

• Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP CISM CISA CRISC CompTIA Security or equivalent are desirable.

• ITIL Foundation or equivalent service management experience is desirable.

• Data governance privacy AI governance or data security-related training is desirable.

• Experience supporting data security information protection privacy-aligned risk management or AI governance activities.

• Strong experience assessing security risks for data platforms analytics automation or AI-enabled solutions.

• Experience working with Privacy Legal Risk Architecture Data and Technology stakeholders.

• Experience translating data and AI security risks into business impact and practical controls.

• Extensive experience preparing guidance reporting and governance materials for emerging technology risks.

Why Downer

As a trusted name in infrastructure transport facilities management and construction Downer is committed to delivering projects that create a lasting positive legacy.

Were committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages genders sexual orientations cultures abilities and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry including women Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Māori and Pasifika Peoples veterans people with disability and neurodivergent individuals.

Even if your experience doesnt align perfectly with this role wed still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit apply potential counts and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer we support flexibility that works for your life inclusive leadership that values your voice and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.