Our client is one of Australia's leading project developers in the environmental markets space, operating across project development, trading, advisory, and agribusiness. The business runs a complex, data-intensive operation underpinned by rigorous regulatory compliance and a large active project portfolio. Having completed a diagnostic of its internal systems and processes, the client is now ready to execute a full-scale AI and automation transformation program. The primary focus is on driving efficiency, improving data accuracy, and automating manual workflows between business units and (predominantly) the finance function. A senior AI Implementation Lead is needed to serve as the execution anchor for this six-month program, supported by additional resources.

This is a hands-on delivery role within an established framework. The right person will add rigour and momentum, specifically validating scope and timelines, rather than restart the strategic thinking already completed.

Key Activities

• Take ownership of the AI and automation implementation roadmap, driving delivery across prioritised workstreams in collaboration with the internal team
• Review the existing technical plan and execution priorities, identifying gaps or risks and providing pragmatic recommendations without re-litigating foundational decisions already made
• Lead a small internal team (automation lead, technical, and additional resources) to ensure coordinated delivery across workstreams
• Design and implement automation solutions targeting data flows between operational business units and the finance function, with a focus on accuracy, reconciliation, and process integrity
• Support the build-out of core AI infrastructure on the client's internally hosted LLM environment (on-premise hardware, no cloud dependency)
• Manage delivery cadence, flag scope risks early, and maintain momentum against an ambitious timeline
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and capability uplift within the internal team throughout the engagement

Your Background

Essential

• Proven experience as an AI/automation engineer or implementation lead, with a track record of deploying AI solutions in operational business environments
• Hands-on technical capability: this is not a purely advisory role; you will be expected to build and implement alongside leading others
• Experience working with LLMs or AI infrastructure, including integration into business processes and data pipelines
• Strong understanding of data architecture, data quality, and workflow automation (e.g. process automation, ETL pipelines, or similar)
• Ability to operate within an established plan, respecting prior work and existing team contributions while adding rigour and delivery momentum
• Strong stakeholder management skills; comfortable navigating a small, high-performing executive team and adapting to a direct, results-oriented culture
• Prior experience delivering in a resource-constrained, fast-moving SME or similar environment

Desirable

• Exposure to environmental markets, financial services, agribusiness, or regulated advisory environments
• Experience integrating AI systems with finance or ERP processes
• Familiarity with on-premise or private cloud AI infrastructure deployment
• Prior experience as an independent consultant or contractor, with the ability to self-manage and operate without heavy support structures