Head of AI Platform Partnerships

What's the role? Based in our Surry Hills office, this permanent leadership role sits at the center of News Corp Australia's digital and commercial transformation. News Corp Australia's unrivalled content is a premium, high-value asset for global LLM developers and technology platforms. Just as semiconductors and energy are inputs to AI products, so is our editorial. And as consumers continue to evolve the way in which they consume news and journalism, we have a tremendous opportunity to form highly strategic partnerships with those platforms that could benefit from our content as an input. As Head of AI Platform Partnerships, you will drive our monetisation strategy across major horizontal Search & AI platforms; including OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, and Amazon- as well as emerging channels. Balancing local deal leadership with global News Corp integration, you will maximise licensing revenue, deepen enterprise understanding of AI content usage, and safeguard our core intellectual property. This role has two direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Commercial Negotiations: Lead high-stakes local negotiations for AI content licensing deals with tech platforms
• Global Deal Execution: Drive News Corp Australia's participation in News Corp's global AI partnerships, ensuring seamless local delivery and alignment with HQ.
• Data Asset Monetization: Build and manage an enterprise inventory of training and grounding data assets to package into high-value licensing products.
• Cross-Functional Governance: Partner with Editorial, Product, Data, Legal, and Tech to build technical workflows, enforce copyright protections, and protect core revenue streams (subscriptions and advertising).
• AI Center of Excellence: Serve as an internal SME on AI and search platforms-delivering actionable insights, performance optimization, and shared learnings across publishing groups.
• Strategic Partner Management: Manage high-level relationships with major Search & AI tech platform partners and serve as the main escalation lead for platform issues.
• Market & Regulatory Intelligence: Track evolving AI technologies, legal precedents, and copyright legislation to defend IP rights and capture new opportunities.
• Team Leadership: Coach and develop a high-performing team focused on partner management, integration, and commercial analysis.

Capabilities & Competencies

• Rights & Licensing: Deep experience with content rights, commercial contracts, and licensing frameworks.
• Platform & AI Knowledge: Strong understanding of search and AI product mechanics (LLMs, grounding/RAG, algorithms) and publisher optimization strategies.
• Executive Communication: Ability to translate complex tech concepts into clear, commercial narratives for senior leadership.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong financial judgment focused on enterprise value, commercial trade-offs, recurring revenue, and pricing structures.
• Adaptive Leadership: Track record of driving results and building strong cultures within fast-changing, ambiguous environments.

Who are you?

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Commerce, Strategy, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive commercial leadership experience in big tech, digital media, SaaS, strategic business development, or IP licensing.

• Experience working with or within search and AI platforms will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated track record of negotiating and closing complex multi-party content licensing or technology agreements.
• Direct experience in AI, content rights, or data syndication models is highly advantageous.
• Experience working within large matrixed organisations and leading people to high performance outcomes.

Why News Corp Australia

Join a culture where innovation is our operating rhythm. You'll work on a diverse portfolio of Australia's most loved brands and play a pivotal role in leading the technological shift in how we create commercial content. Our vibrant, hybrid work environment and dynamic, values-driven culture empowers you to push boundaries, collaborate as one unified team, and make a positive, measurable impact for all Australians.

News Extras Benefits

• Exclusively ours - Access to publications and products from across the News Corp family
• Perks & discounts - Exclusive offers across a range of products and services that deliver genuine cost savings and benefits
• Health & wellbeing - Advice, support and facilities for healthy minds and bodies (including an onsite gym at our Adelaide, Brisbane & Sydney offices)
• Time off - News offers a range of leave options to support your personal needs and moments that matter in life: Parental leave, Birthday leave, Volunteer leave, Career break and Compassionate leave.
• Financial wellbeing - Support on making the most of your money
• In addition to our perks and benefits, employees have access to a number of initiatives and programs that support their wellbeing and professional growth, such as:
  • Helping you grow - Access tailored development opportunities, including leadership programs, to cultivate your skills and support your career
  • Giving back - Make a difference to our communities through volunteer opportunities and company-organised charity drives
• Workplace Inclusion and facilities - Engage with your passions through various employee-resource groups and accessibility to multi-faith quiet rooms & parents' rooms

Who are we?

We are proud to be Australia's most impactful media group, we're even prouder of what we stand for: Together, we inform, advocate and inspire all Australians, for a better Australia.In an evolving media industry our brands continue to drive the story and influence the agenda - 7.4 million Australians read one of our national, metro or regional paid daily titles a week. We are proud to be the greatest storytellers in Australia. Our products are innovative and dynamic, constantly adapting to new challenges and pioneering the way forward to lead the market. A fast paced and ever changing environment requires adequate, robust and reliable business systems and processes which play a vital part in our success.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity strengthens our national teams and newsroom as we seek to tell stories that represent the communities of Australia. Our people make us unique, and so we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender identity. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply! We are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any stage, please do not hesitate to let us know here.

Category: Finance and Strategy

We are proud to be Australia's most impactful media group, we're even prouder of what we stand for: Together, we inform, advocate and inspire all Australians, for a better Australia. With over 150 brands across news, sport and lifestyle, backed by a team of more than 5,000 dedicated people across the country, News Corp Australia is trusted by over 17 million Australians a month to provide the information and inspiration they seek across multiple digital, video, audio and print platforms. Renowned for world-class journalism and marketing services nationally and internationally, we are passionate, creative and dynamic. We offer a fast-paced environment that encourages individuals to take control of their future and challenge themselves in ever-changing fields.