At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for Data & AI platforms and ensure their reliable operation.
- Company: Join QBE, a forward-thinking company on a data-driven journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of data and AI.
- 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, it 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.
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 employer: QBE
QBE Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Data and AI sectors. With a strong commitment to employee growth, QBE provides extensive benefits including 30 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and a generous pension plan, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while empowering employees to lead transformative projects in data and AI platforms.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering
✨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 around data and AI platforms.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and managed projects in the past. Highlight your ability to balance innovation with operational stability.
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in data platforms and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data and AI, and how your vision aligns with our goals at QBE. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like improvements in platform performance or successful project deliveries. Numbers speak volumes!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at QBE
✨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 enthusiasm but also your readiness to lead their data initiatives.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully led teams or projects in data engineering or analytics. Highlight your ability to balance transformation with stable operations, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨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 will demonstrate your capability to ensure QBE's 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 be key in showcasing your fit for a senior leadership role at QBE.
