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 environment focused on honesty, collaboration, and achieving tangible 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re not just looking for any job, but the right fit for both you and them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience in IT leadership and how it relates to the role of Group Head of IT Business Services. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of IT Business Services in London
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 how it relates to underwriting, claims, and actuarial processes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and projects in the past. Share examples of how you've driven IT service delivery and managed vendor relationships, especially in a multi-jurisdictional context. This will help us understand your fit for the senior leadership position.
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 successful IT strategies or operational efficiencies.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values 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, automation, and how to align technology with business objectives. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have successfully implemented them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so be prepared to share stories about how you've led IT transformation initiatives or managed cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as this is crucial for translating business needs into effective IT solutions.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the job involves fostering a data-driven culture, come ready to discuss how you’ve used data analytics to drive decisions in previous roles. Be specific about the tools and methodologies you’ve employed, and how they contributed to operational efficiency or innovation.
✨Align with The Lancashire Way
Familiarise yourself with the company culture and values outlined in the job description. Be prepared to demonstrate how your work ethic aligns with their principles of honesty, collaboration, and responsibility. Showing that you understand and embody 'The Lancashire Way' can set you apart from other candidates.