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.