At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform IT business services for underwriting, operations, and more.
- Company: Join Lancashire, a forward-thinking insurance company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT in insurance and drive innovation through technology.
- Qualifications: Proven senior IT leadership experience in insurance or financial services.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment focused on honesty, collaboration, and achieving results.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
The Group Head of IT Business Services is responsible for leading and transforming IT business services supporting Underwriting, Operations, Actuarial, and Exposure Management across all Lancashire jurisdictions. This role ensures technology solutions are aligned with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and Lancashire’s strategic vision of “Empowering our Digital Tomorrow.” The remit includes driving the adoption of a business service model, optimising operational efficiency, and fostering innovation through automation, data-driven decision-making, and managed services. The role reports directly to the Group Chief Information Officer and is pivotal in shaping the IT strategy and operational delivery for core insurance functions.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive IT Business Services strategy aligned with business growth objectives and operational priorities.
- Establish and oversee Service Integration and Management (SIAM) practices, ensuring seamless coordination and performance across multiple service providers and internal teams to deliver integrated, business-aligned IT services.
- Lead the transition to an IT Business Service model, ensuring end-to-end product ownership and alignment of technical decisions with business goals.
- Oversee IT service delivery for Underwriting, Claims, Actuarial, Exposure Management, and Operations, ensuring robust, compliant, and efficient business processes.
- Champion automation initiatives (e.g., OneTouch Productivity) and drive continual improvement in operational efficiency.
- Implement and maintain a federated data approach, fostering a data-driven culture and supporting advanced analytics and AI initiatives.
- Reduce technical debt by streamlining the hybrid technical estate, eliminating duplication, and transitioning to managed services and SaaS where appropriate.
- Ensure business continuity and operational resilience by protecting and optimising IT systems, reducing legacy dependencies, and enhancing system reliability.
- Act as the primary liaison between IT and business units, translating business needs into technical solutions and measurable outcomes.
- Foster cross-functional teams to reduce handoffs, accelerate delivery, and improve business alignment.
- Engage with non-technical leaders to ensure understanding and ownership of IT-enabled business products.
- Oversee relevant IT vendor management, contract negotiations, and cost optimisation, ensuring value delivery and system reliability.
- Ensure IT governance, security, and compliance standards are met across all jurisdictions and business functions.
- Prepare and present data-driven reports and Board materials, providing leadership with clear insights into IT performance, value, and innovation.
- Identify and pursue outsourcing opportunities and service integration to maximise value and cost efficiency.
- Continuously seek out savings and efficiencies, balancing investment in new capabilities with the need to manage legacy systems.
Essential Skills & Requirements
- Proven experience as a senior IT leader within insurance or financial services, with a strong understanding of underwriting, claims, actuarial, and exposure management processes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead IT transformation initiatives, including automation, managed services, and SaaS adoption.
- Expertise in IT service management, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong vendor management, contract negotiation, and cost optimisation skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, with experience engaging both technical and non-technical leaders.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and innovation.
- Ability to operate under pressure and manage complex, multi-jurisdictional IT operations.
The Lancashire Way
At Lancashire, we believe our culture sets us apart. The way we behave and approach our work day-to-day is what makes us unique and creates a positive experience for our people, business partners and other stakeholders. Honesty and integrity in all we do is a given and The Lancashire Way reflects our true character and spirit.
- Straight-talking: We feel empowered to share thoughts and ideas, because everyone’s voice matters.
- Collaborative: We work together towards common goals, share knowledge and support each other.
- Hard-working: We all have a stake in the company’s success and are proactive in contributing to our goals and vision.
- Responsible: We focus on achieving tangible results with consistent standards across the Group.
- Positive: We engage with brokers, clients, communities, stakeholders and colleagues professionally and passionately as proud ambassadors of Lancashire.
Group Head of IT Business Services employer: Lancashire Insurance Group
Contact Detail:
Lancashire Insurance Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of IT Business Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. We want you to walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Group Head of IT Business Services role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your experience. We believe that the more you practice, the more natural it will feel when you’re in front of the real interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and mentioning something specific from the conversation to show you were engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of IT Business Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Group Head of IT Business Services role. Highlight your experience in IT transformation and service management, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and projects in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change and foster collaboration across departments. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our culture of teamwork and innovation.
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision-making, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles. Show us how your analytical thinking has led to tangible results in IT service delivery or operational efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Lancashire!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire Insurance Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Group Head of IT Business Services. Brush up on your knowledge of IT service management, operational resilience, and the specific processes related to underwriting, claims, and actuarial functions. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead IT transformation initiatives. Think about times when you’ve successfully driven automation or managed services adoption. Be ready to discuss how you’ve fostered collaboration between technical and non-technical teams, as this role requires strong stakeholder management.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves a focus on data-driven culture and advanced analytics, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used data to inform decisions in past roles. Highlight any experience you have with implementing federated data approaches or driving innovation through analytics.
✨Align with Their Culture
Familiarise yourself with 'The Lancashire Way' and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. They appreciate honesty, collaboration, and a proactive attitude. Share instances where you’ve embodied these traits in your work, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their company culture.