ABOUT THE ROLE Permanent | Hybrid| Can be based in Australia or Malaysia At Pickles, we’re building trusted, responsible and uniquely valuable AI that empowers our people and strengthens our marketplaces. As we continue to lead with safe, transparent and ethical innovation, we’re looking for a Head of AI Labs to help shape the future of AI at Pickles. In this role, you’ll drive our emerging-tech exploration, scanning the horizon for new AI possibilities, testing ideas quickly, and validating what’s ready to scale. You’ll lead rapid prototyping, run structured proof-of-concepts, and translate innovation into real commercial value. Working closely with our AI, Digital, IT, Data and Innovation teams, you’ll ensure every experiment aligns with our enterprise guardrails and our commitment to responsible AI. Key responsibilities include: Innovation & Exploration Scan emerging AI technologies, tools and research for opportunities. Identify and assess high-value innovation themes for Pickles. Track competitor AI activity and market shifts. Experimentation & POCs Lead rapid prototyping and structured AI experiments. Validate feasibility, impact and risk of new ideas with business units. Document learnings and pathways for scale where successful. Collaboration & Integration Partner with AI Enablement, AI Capabilities, IT and Data teams to ensure POCs align with enterprise architecture and guardrails. Work with product and business teams to test concepts in real workflows. Reporting & Strategic Insight Provide clear insights on innovation outcomes and future opportunities. Support AI strategy refinement by feeding horizon trends and early signals. ABOUT YOU To be successful in this role you will bring: Experience in AI innovation, R/&D or applied emerging tech Strong understanding of modern AI technologies and evaluation methods Hands-on creativity with commercial nous Ability to design and run structured experiments A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Innovation or similar At Pickles, we value diversity and inclusion and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from diverse backgrounds to apply. Only suitable candidates will be contacted. Reference and criminal history checks apply.Internal applicants must have completed 6 months’ probation.
Job Title
Head of AI Labs