At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of AI-enabled engineering platforms while mentoring a talented team.
- Company: Global Insurance Services client with a focus on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £95k, hybrid work model, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape architecture and drive AI adoption across the organisation.
- Why this job: Combine technical leadership with hands-on development in a cutting-edge environment.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in software engineering with deep Java expertise and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are working with an impressive global Insurance Services client, looking for a hands-on Technical Lead to drive the design, delivery and evolution of a modern, AI-enabled engineering platform. This role offers the opportunity to combine technical leadership with hands-on development, leading a talented team whilst shaping architecture, engineering standards and the adoption of AI-driven capabilities across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture, design and delivery of scalable cloud-native applications and services
- Define service boundaries, integration patterns, data models and non-functional requirements
- Drive engineering best practices across code quality, security, performance and testing
- Remain actively involved in software development, solving complex technical challenges
- Lead and mentor a team of engineers through coaching, reviews and technical guidance
- Own sprint planning, estimation, delivery forecasting and release quality
- Collaborate with Product, Architecture, QA and DevOps teams to align technical and business objectives
- Drive observability, monitoring, resilience and incident management standards
- Support recruitment, technical assessments and onboarding activities
- Lead the design and implementation of AI-enabled product capabilities
- Architect and deliver RAG, semantic search and vector database solutions
- Champion effective use of AI-assisted development tools across engineering teams
- Evaluate emerging technologies and provide strategic technical recommendations
Requirements
- ~8–12 years' experience in software engineering with deep Java expertise
- ~Previous experience leading engineering teams or owning technical delivery outcomes
- ~Expert-level knowledge of Java 17+ and modern Spring Boot ecosystems
- ~Strong understanding of microservices, distributed systems and scalable architecture design
- ~Experience with workflow automation or BPM platforms
- ~Advanced SQL and database design expertise
- ~Strong knowledge of API security, authentication and secure software development practices
- ~Experience owning CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation strategies
- ~Demonstrable experience delivering AI-enabled solutions in production or near-production environments
- ~Knowledge of LLM integrations, vector databases, prompt engineering and RAG architectures
- ~Experience guiding engineering teams in the adoption of AI tools and practices
- ~Strong Agile delivery and stakeholder management experience
- ~Excellent leadership, communication and mentoring skills
- ~Passion for balancing technical excellence with successful business delivery
Technical Java Lead in London employer: Calibre Candidates
Join a leading global Insurance Services client in London, where you will not only drive the design and delivery of cutting-edge AI-enabled engineering platforms but also enjoy a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to mentorship opportunities and the chance to lead a talented team while shaping the future of technology in the insurance sector. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance as you tackle complex technical challenges in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Java Lead in London
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Calibre Candidates). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Calibre Candidates. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Java Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Calibre Candidates.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Calibre Candidates. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Calibre Candidates
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Calibre Candidates to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Calibre Candidates, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Calibre Candidates's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
