AI & Automation Lead

🤖 Are you passionate about leading innovation through AI and automation?

💡 Do you enjoy blending hands‑on technical work with empowering people to adopt new technology?

Join Service Foods as we accelerate our digital evolution and deliver smarter, faster, and more impactful solutions across the organisation.

We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking AI & Automation Lead to drive the development, deployment, and optimisation of AI‑powered solutions that improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and enable innovation at scale.

About the Role

As the AI & Automation Lead, you will own the enterprise-wide AI and automation strategy—from identifying opportunities to designing models and delivering automated workflows. You’ll work closely with product, operations, data, media, and customer experience teams to embed AI into everyday processes and decision‑making.

This is a hands‑on leadership role that combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, cross‑functional collaboration, and mentoring. You’ll play a critical part in shaping our AI roadmap and building future capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, design, and deliver high‑value AI, machine learning, and automation solutions across the organisation.
• Develop, deploy, and maintain AI/ML models and automated workflows using platforms such as Azure AI, Google Vertex AI, and RPA tools.
• Integrate AI capabilities into existing systems and ensure performance, reliability, scalability, and security.
• Monitor and optimise model accuracy, automation stability, and overall system effectiveness.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear insights for non‑technical stakeholders and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to embed AI into business processes.
• Lead end‑to‑end delivery of AI and automation initiatives, including requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor team members, uplift organisational AI capability, and build a high‑performing AI & automation function as the demand grows.
• Assess emerging technologies, champion responsible and ethical AI practices, and contribute to the long‑term AI and automation roadmap.
• Manage external vendors, platforms, and partners to ensure quality outcomes and strategic alignment.

What You’ll Bring

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Certifications in AI, ML, cloud (Azure, Google Cloud), or automation tools (RPA) are advantageous.

Experience

• 6 - 8+ years’ hands‑on experience in AI, machine learning, data science, or automation development.
• Proven experience building and deploying AI/ML models (NLP, predictive, LLM-based tools, optimisation).
• Strong background in RPA or workflow automation.
• Experience integrating AI/automation into existing business systems and processes.
• Ability to work across cross‑functional teams and manage end‑to‑end delivery.
• Vendor and tool evaluation experience.
• Familiarity with agile development practices.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, model development, optimisation, and evaluation.
• Expertise in automation platforms (RPA, workflow automation, intelligent process automation).
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar programming languages.
• Solid experience with Azure AI, Google Vertex AI, and cloud-based AI stacks.
• Understanding of data engineering, pipelines, and feature engineering.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong documentation and stakeholder engagement abilities.

 Personal Attributes

• Creative and solutions‑driven mindset.
• Strong time management and decision‑making abilities.
• Commercial acumen with a focus on ROI.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Collaborative, humble, and aligned with our values.

 Why Join Service Foods?

At Service Foods, our values of creativity, resilience, inclusivity, collaboration, work ethic, and humility guide everything we do. You will be part of a forward‑thinking organisation committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional service.

We offer:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Growth and development opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative environment
• The chance to shape the future of AI within a leading New Zealand business

✨ If you’re excited about leading AI and automation innovation and contributing to a growing, future‑focused organisation, we encourage you to apply.

🔎 Eligibility: Applicants must hold NZ citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa.

✔️ Pre‑Employment Checks: All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete standard pre‑employment checks, including:

• 📞 Employment reference checks
• 📝 Ministry of Justice and ACC verification
• 🧪 Alcohol and drug testing conducted by an accredited NZ workplace testing provider