Head of Ai

As the only Kiwi-owned insurer, we're proud to challenge the status quo - and move fast to make things happen. We're here to create beautifully simple, rewarding experiences for our customers and communities, and we're working hard to protect the future of Aotearoa.

At its heart, insurance is about helping people through the unexpected. Doing what's right for our customers - especially in tough times - gives real purpose to our work.

This role is about leading AI transformation at scale. You'll work closely with the Chief Data & Analytics Officer, the wider tech leadership team, and business leaders across Tower to shape and deliver our enterprise AI strategy.

**Your day-to-day would look like**
- Leading a high-performing AI delivery squad (data scientists, ML engineers, applied researchers)
- Driving the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML solutions across key business areas like claims, underwriting, fraud detection, and customer experience
- Championing AI literacy and building confidence in AI across the Executive Leadership Team and wider organisation
- Embedding responsible AI governance and ethical practices
- Collaborating with architecture, data engineering, and analytics teams to leverage our cloud and data platforms (Azure, AWS, Snowflake)
- Managing relationships with technology partners and regulators
- Communicating AI value and progress to senior stakeholders

**In your first 6-12 months, success will look like**:

- Strategic Impact: You've developed and begun executing a clear, enterprise-wide AI strategy aligned with Tower's digital transformation goals.
- Team Leadership: You've built and empowered a high-performing AI team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- AI Deployment at Scale: You've successfully delivered impactful AI solutions across key business areas—such as claims automation, fraud detection, and customer experience—demonstrating measurable business value.
- Executive Confidence: You've built strong relationships with the Executive Leadership Team, clearly communicating the value, risks, and opportunities of AI, and becoming a trusted advisor on all things AI.
- Cultural Shift: You've championed AI literacy across the organisation, helping teams understand and embrace AI as a tool for smarter, more efficient work.
- Governance and Ethics: You've embedded responsible AI practices and governance frameworks that ensure ethical, transparent, and compliant AI use across the business.
- Innovation Leadership: You've positioned Tower as a leader in responsible AI within the insurance sector, engaging with external partners, regulators, and industry forums.

**To thrive in this role, you'll need**:

- 10-15 years of relevant experience, including 5+ years in AI/ML leadership roles
- Proven experience leading transformation and deploying AI at scale in enterprise environments
- Strong people leadership skills with experience managing high-performing technical teams
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills - able to translate complex AI concepts into business value
- A track record of building trust and confidence with executive stakeholders
- Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, MLOps, and data platforms (Azure, AWS, Snowflake)
- Experience in insurance or financial services is a plus

**We invest in you.**

We're serious about looking after our people. Along with a competitive salary, we offer a bunch of perks and benefits to support you and celebrate the work you do:

- 16 weeks of paid parental leave for the primary carer and 4 weeks for partners
- A paid day off on your birthday, plus two extra annual leave days and the option to buy up to eight more
- Wellness leave - no need to justify your mental health day
- Career growth and internal progression opportunities
- Flexible working and a beautiful, modern office in Auckland
- Discounts on Tower insurance products
- Free life insurance (up to 4x your base salary)
- Retail discounts with top brands

**Ready to Apply?**

If this sounds like your kind of role, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for someone who's excited to help shape a new era of insurance - someone who's ready to make a real impact. If that's you, send us your CV and a cover letter that shows us what you're all about.