At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for Data & AI platforms and oversee their operations.
- Company: Join QBE, a forward-thinking company on a data-driven journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working options, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in shaping data and AI capabilities across the organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in data platforms and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London
Type: Permanent, full time
Flexible working: Happy to talk flexible working
The Opportunity
QBE Europe is recruiting a Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering to join our Global Data team based in London. QBE EO is on an ambitious journey to strengthen and scale its Data, Analytics and AI capabilities. This role plays a critical part in establishing secure, resilient and scalable data and AI platforms that enable trusted business intelligence, advanced analytics and AI across the organisation. This is a senior leadership role accountable for both the strategic evolution and the day‑to‑day operation of EO’s data and AI platform estate. The role balances transformation delivery with stable business‑as‑usual operations, ensuring platforms are reliable, compliant and aligned to enterprise priorities. Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
Your New Role
- Own the strategy and roadmap for Data & AI platforms, including data hubs, analytics and data consumption platforms.
- Define and implement data platform architecture, engineering standards and design patterns aligned to enterprise direction.
- Lead delivery of data platform change initiatives, balancing transformation with stable BAU operations.
- Own platform operations including reliability, performance, scalability and security.
- Establish, manage and report against SLAs and OLAs across data platforms and services.
- Ensure compliance with security, privacy and regulatory requirements across all data platforms.
- Implement frameworks for data quality, observability, lineage and metadata in partnership with governance teams.
- Oversee operational monitoring, incident management and continuous optimisation of platform services.
- Build and lead high‑performing data engineering and platform operations teams.
- Manage third‑party vendors and partners to ensure effective delivery and value for money.
About You
- Proven senior leadership experience in data platform, data engineering or analytics engineering roles.
- Deep understanding of modern data and AI platform architectures and cloud‑based ecosystems.
- Demonstrated experience delivering large‑scale data platform transformation and operating enterprise platforms.
- Strong understanding of data governance, security, risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and managing third‑party suppliers.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels.
- A pragmatic leadership style, balancing innovation with operational rigour.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
- Flexible working – balancing work and life is important; options include part‑time, job share and compressed hours.
- Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
Skills
- Adaptability
- Business Management
- Coaching for success
- Critical Thinking
- Influencing
- Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure
- Information Technology (IT) Risk Management
- Intentional collaboration
- Managing performance
- Navigating ambiguity
- Process Improvements
- Strategic Agility
- Strategic Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Technology Strategy Development
Application Close Date: 29/05/2026 11:59 PM
Equal Employment Opportunity
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.
Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering employer: hackajob
QBE Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides extensive benefits including 30 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and a generous pension plan, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and support. Join us to lead transformative data initiatives and be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing data and AI capabilities across the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even casual coffee chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; showcase it! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can display your projects and achievements. This is especially important for roles in data and AI, where practical examples can really make you stand out.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions and practicing your responses. But don’t forget to prepare questions for them too! Show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company’s vision for data and AI.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience in data platforms and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data and AI, and how your vision aligns with our goals at QBE. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead data transformations and manage teams. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved performance or reduced costs, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at hackajob
✨Know Your Data & AI Platforms
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest trends and technologies in data and AI platforms. Familiarise yourself with QBE's current strategies and how they align with industry standards. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your readiness to lead their data initiatives.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully led teams or projects in data engineering or analytics. Highlight your ability to balance transformation with stable operations, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand Compliance and Governance
Brush up on data governance, security, and regulatory compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented frameworks for data quality and observability in previous positions. This knowledge will demonstrate your capability to manage risks effectively within QBE's data platforms.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach stakeholder management at a senior level. Prepare to discuss your influencing skills and how you've navigated complex relationships in the past. Showing that you can communicate effectively with various stakeholders will be key to your success in this role.
