Experienced Enterprise Data Architect who will be responsible for the overall strategic design of the Client applications, systems infrastructure, and data architecture. This role requires strategic thinking to ensure that the design frameworks, governance and processes that underpin them are all Embedded within the business. Responsibilities include defining and maintaining roadmaps, creating and maintaining data-specific architecture, and providing project management guidance for projects involving new technologies and solutions. Additionally, you will lead the Architecture team, collaborating across business functions and within IT. The Enterprise Data Architect will play a critical role in driving and overseeing the strategic planning, development, and execution of architectural solutions supporting the business. The position requires a deep understanding of both IT systems and insurance industry practices.

Duties and accountabilities

• Responsible for defining the target data architecture and overall enterprise architecture ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance by driving the technical vision and roadmap, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and effective architectural designs and solutions.
• Work closely with the appointed consultant to implement the Data Transformation initiative, ensuring alignment with Client Data Requirements, and foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to align architectural solutions for successful implementation.
• Responsible for evaluating, standardising and implementing technologies and products for data architecture.
• Contribute to the definition and implementation of data and overall architecture governance practices, ensuring compliance, consistency, and best practices across IT systems and solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends. Stay up to date with the latest advancements in technology and insurance industry practices, conduct technology assessments, and provide recommendations on innovative solutions to enhance business processes and customer experience.
• Manage architecture projects and initiatives by overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of architectural projects.
• This would include solution design, system integration, and technology upgrades, while ensuring adherence to timelines and budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate with Head of Information Security to ensure that architectural designs and solutions meet the required security and regulatory standards for data protection and privacy from a risk management and security point of view.
• Talent development and team management - work within the wider IT team to lead and mentor a small (4) team made up of Architects and Engineers and Analysts, providing guidance, professional development opportunities, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Skills, knowledge and experience

The successful candidate will:

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in architecture roles including data architecture, preferably within the insurance or financial services industry.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing enterprise-level architectures, including designing and operating data warehousing solutions, database structure, and application development.
• Strong understanding of insurance industry practices, regulations, and business processes.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across different teams and stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of industry-standard architectural frameworks, methodologies, and best practices.
• Familiarity with current and emerging technologies such as APIs, artificial intelligence and robotic process automation in an insurance context.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset to align architectural solutions with business goals.
• Experience working with Azure data technology stack such as Azure Data Factory, Azure SQL, Synapse Analytics, PowerBI.
• Self-starter requiring minimal supervision and possesses excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrates proactive approach to identifying issues and presenting solutions and options and leading to resolution as appropriate.
• Professional certifications/qualifications in Azure/Data Technologies/Business Analysis/Project Management/Chartered Insurance Institute is desirable.