Head of Strategic Programmes Architecture

Head of Strategic Programmes Architecture UK, London

AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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This role will lead the architecture for strategic programmes within AXA XL. Being the lead architect for the largest and most complex programmes that deliver business transformation this role will need to drive an architecture vision for the programme that then is translated into execution and aligns to the broader enterprise architecture.

What you\’ll be doing What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Designated technical expert, providing thought leadership and accountability for the architecture of strategic programmes across the Apps, Data, Integration, Infra and Security domains
• Inspire and provide leadership on architectural challenges affecting strategic programmesarchitecture. Evaluate and identify IT-related risks; propose steps to address IT risks and improve programme effectiveness.
• Cultivate effective relationships with business stakeholders, and create and execute compelling and effective communication strategies for informing on architectural processes and outcomes
• Stay abreast of the latest technologies and leverage them as they apply to strategic programmes
• Drive transformative change within the organisation enabling the business transformation through the application of tech and data
• Ensures AXA XL\’s technology strategy is aligned with its business goals; guide and expand the AXA XL target architecture; distill and convey the key technology strategy and target architecture messages for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Fully understand and be considerate of requirements from DPO, Regulatory/Compliance and Social Consultations.
• Lead the development and deployment of Strategic Architecture for specified programmes
• Lead the Strategic Programmes architecture team and co-ordinate resources from other BAU architecture teams involved in delivery of the strategic programmes
• Ensure architectural alignment across the Strategic Programmes portfolio of initiatives
• Responsible for ensuring that architecture governance is suitably applied to the programme and that it complies with all Group governance including: Group Architecture Review Board and Strategic Programme Governance
• Lead the architecture interface with Group CTO on relevant programmes and other group functions as required

You will report to the Chief Technology Officer.

What you\’ll bring We\’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Demonstrates leadership courage. Coaches, trains, sets expectations, empowers, evaluates and holds people accountable for delivery, both within and beyond the Strategic Programmes architecture team.
• Collaborates with other architects, delivery teams, partners and customers to build consensus and ensure that delivered solutions align to the target architecture.
• Partners with key technology vendors to ensure appropriate support to AXA XL, both in design and delivery of solutions.
• Maintains a broad understanding across apps, data, infrastructure and security domains with depth in at least one area
• Advises on enterprise architecture landscape, target architecture and technology strategy. Evaluates new technologies in context of both business objectives and target architecture.
• Models and maps business and technology capabilities. Creates current state, interim state and target state architecture diagrams.
• Effective problem-solving skills; the ability to analyse problems and develop actionable and appropriate plans quickly.
• Excellent ability to communicate (verbal and written); builds narratives that convey the value of complex architectural changes, reduce resistance, and secure buy-in across varied stakeholders.
• Ability to make appropriate recommendations and \’own\’ decisions.
• A natural enthusiasm for and overall broad knowledge of a range of technologies. A keen interest in emerging technology is certainly desirable.
• Solid track record of addressing customer and architectural needs through innovative use of technology
• A deep understanding of modern architectural and engineering practices
• Sound business and technology knowledge with commercial awareness and an understanding of Financial Services markets, customers and technologies

What we offer Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and enables business growth and is critical to our success. That\’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential. It\’s about helping one another – and our business – to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at . AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Total Rewards

AXA XL\’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.

We\’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called \”Roots of resilience\”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems – the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We\’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We\’re building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We\’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL\’s \”Hearts in Action\” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see

Who we are AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don\’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at