At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architecture and design of major insurance platform transformations.
- Company: Join QBE, a leading insurance company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working options, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of insurance technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in large-scale transformation programmes and Guidewire expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London
Type: Permanent, full time (Hybrid role, flexible working)
The Opportunity
QBE Europe is recruiting for a Lead Guidewire Architect to join its Architecture team in the London Office. As Lead Guidewire Architect you will own and lead the end‑to‑end programme architecture and design activity, shape the target architecture, guide delivery teams and ensure the transformation delivers coherent, scalable and well‑governed outcomes across the enterprise. QBE is embarking on a major transformation of its core insurance platforms (Pricing, Policy Administration and Underwriting). The programme runs for approximately five years with an investment of over $300m spanning multiple lines of business, geographies and distribution models. Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
Responsibilities
- Implement technology strategy, roadmaps, and patterns aligned with global architecture to deliver business strategy.
- Maximise alignment and leverage reuse of technology to achieve cost efficiencies.
- Monitor and review technical progress against roadmaps to ensure IT strategy objectives are met.
- Lead the establishment of strategy, reference architecture, and roadmaps for assigned domains.
- Conduct technology assurance and governance in line with architecture policy and practices.
- Facilitate the use of standardised tools and approaches for documenting enterprise architecture.
- Actively promote and embed architectural ways of working and due governance.
- Provide direction during technology decision‑making activities supporting executive level stakeholders, translating complex architectural topics into clear business and investment decisions.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships within IT and with internal business units and external service suppliers.
- Balance operational delivery and risk commitments by identifying emerging, underlying, and accumulating risks across processes and controls, communicating the risk landscape to leaders and prioritising resources in response in conjunction with the first line risk team.
- Run day‑to‑day architecture and design activity, including leading an architecture team, chairing design forums, and resolving complex cross‑domain issues.
Qualifications
- Proven experience leading architecture across multiple large‑scale, multi‑year transformation programmes including legacy modernisation, complex migration, coexistence, transitional states and risk management.
- Strong insurance and domain expertise, working with and governing major systems integrators and strategic delivery partners.
- Hands‑on experience with the Guidewire platform (PolicyCentre, BillingCentre, ClaimCentre, Product Model) and a strong understanding of Guidewire Cloud and upgrade strategies.
- Experience with modern insurance platforms such as Guidewire, Hx, Salesforce and associated ecosystem technologies.
- Strong business and domain expertise across the end‑to‑end insurance value chain, applying deep understanding of underwriting, pricing, distribution, policy administration, claims, finance and regulatory obligations to architectural decisions.
- Alignment to architecture governance, ensuring adherence to agreed principles, standards, and controls while enabling delivery pace and pragmatic outcomes.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to two additional days.
- Flexible working: part‑time, job share, compressed hours available.
- Pension: automatic enrollment in QBE pension plan with 10% employer contributions of base salary.
Equal Employment Opportunity
QBE is an equal‑opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.
Lead Guidewire Architect employer: QBE Insurance
QBE Insurance is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London with hybrid working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, comprehensive health coverage, and robust pension contributions, all while being part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal growth. With a commitment to sustainability and diversity, QBE empowers its team to make a meaningful impact both within the company and in the wider community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Guidewire Architect
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like QBE Insurance). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like QBE Insurance. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Guidewire Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at QBE Insurance.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at QBE Insurance. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at QBE Insurance
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at QBE Insurance to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at QBE Insurance, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding QBE Insurance's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
