At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for Data & AI platforms and ensure their reliability and security.
- Company: Join QBE, a global insurer with a human touch and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working options, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of a team recognised for excellence in the insurance industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and transformation.
- 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
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
- 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, this can 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.
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee's experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
- Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance
- AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year
- Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer
If you're looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today. Your career. At the heart of it.
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
Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering in London employer: QBE Insurance Group
QBE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide 30 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and a robust pension plan, ensuring our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a passionate and talented workforce dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in data and AI platforms.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. 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 match the Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've led in data platforms or AI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at QBE. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead data transformations and manage teams. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them!
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’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at QBE Insurance Group
✨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 the role.
✨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 stakeholder environments. This will demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams effectively.
