Head of Data Science: Workforce Management Platform

• Permanent role
• $180K-$210K base + equity (ESOP being finalised)
• Sydney based (Hybrid) - Citizens/PR only
• Urgent role 

About the role

We're looking for a hands-on Head of Data Science to own and scale the forecasting and optimisation product modules at a fast-growing workforce tech startup. You'll translate enterprise customer problems into production-ready solutions while working directly with C-suite executives. This role suits someone making their first or second leadership jump who thrives in build-while-flying startup environments.

About the company

A 12-person AI-powered workforce management startup backed by Jelix Ventures and currently raising their next round. They've just secured an exclusive global partnership with a workforce management unicorn (1.5M+ users, 100+ countries). Currently auto-scheduling 70,000 shifts per week and scaling rapidly. Post-seed, pre-Series A - proven product-market fit with distribution solved.

What you'll own

Forecast Module: Time series forecasting across diverse use cases (sales, foot traffic, operational data) that works across different business types and geographies using multi-algorithm approaches.

Optimise Module: Workforce management and shift creation at scale, currently producing 156,000 shifts per week for 20,000 employees.

This is product ownership - you'll be hands-on technical, customer-facing with enterprise C-suite, and translating complex problems into scalable, production-ready solutions. Small team philosophy leveraging AI for outsized outcomes. Reports to technical co-founder.

What we need

Must have: Strong in forecasting AND optimisation (or exceptionally strong in one), hands-on with AWS/SQL/Python, startup DNA who thrives building while flying, owner mentality, customer-facing credibility with enterprise C-suite, AI-first thinking.

Won't work: Traditional enterprise backgrounds applying same models consistently, pure strategists who don't code, need for stability and well-defined processes.

The opportunity

Equity upside with ESOP being finalised post-funding round. Multiple exit scenarios. Your modules serve millions of shift workers globally. Work alongside double PhDs and experienced founders at the inflection point - proven product, partnership launching, pre-major scale.