At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and operations for Data & AI platforms, ensuring reliability and compliance.
- Company: Join QBE Europe, a forward-thinking company on a data-driven journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working options, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available, promoting work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in shaping the future of data and AI at a global level.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in data platforms and strong understanding of cloud ecosystems required.
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 so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, including part‐time, job share and compressed hours.
- Pension – automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, with employer contributions of 10% of 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 in London employer: QBE Europe
QBE Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from 30 days of holiday, a generous pension plan, and the opportunity to lead innovative data and AI initiatives within a supportive and collaborative culture. Join us to be part of a transformative journey in data analytics and AI, where your contributions will directly impact the organisation's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works in data and AI. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects or contributions to data platforms. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its data initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals. Remember, it’s not just about answering questions but also about showing your passion for the role!
✨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 the attention it deserves. 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 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've led in data platforms or engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed data platforms and led teams, and don't forget to express your enthusiasm for joining our team at QBE.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to mention your understanding of modern data and AI platform architectures. We want to see your familiarity with cloud-based ecosystems and any relevant technologies you've worked with.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you get the best chance to shine in front of our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at QBE Europe
✨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 expertise but also your genuine interest in their mission.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles in data engineering or analytics. Highlight how you balanced transformation initiatives with day-to-day operations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨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 roles. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that platforms are reliable and compliant.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've managed relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss your influencing skills and how you've navigated complex organisational structures. This will demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams effectively.
