At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for Data & AI platforms and ensure their reliability and compliance.
- 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 passionate team driving change 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 understanding of cloud ecosystems required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
About QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch. We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner. What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.
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.
Application Close Date: 29/05/2026 11:59 PM
Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering employer: Women in Data®
At QBE, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering in London, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming data capabilities while enjoying flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and robust pension contributions. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment, QBE is the perfect place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of data and AI.
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 the industry, especially those already at QBE. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the company culture and what they really value.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into QBE's data and AI initiatives. Show us you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about how you can contribute to their ambitious journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences leading teams and managing projects. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and operational skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the QBE team and making an impact.
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 speaks directly to the role of Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in data platforms and AI. We want to see how you can make an impact!
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. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver large-scale transformations. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing metrics that highlight your success.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Data®
✨Know Your Data & AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in data platforms and AI. Be ready to discuss your experience with cloud-based ecosystems and how you've led large-scale transformations in the past. This role is all about strategy and execution, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leadership role, they’ll want to see how you’ve built and led high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've managed multi-disciplinary teams and third-party vendors. Highlight your pragmatic approach to balancing innovation with operational rigour.
✨Understand Compliance and Governance
Dive deep into data governance, security, and regulatory compliance. Be ready to discuss frameworks you've implemented for data quality and observability. They’ll be looking for someone who can ensure their platforms are reliable and compliant, so make this a key part of your conversation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong stakeholder management is crucial for this role. Think of examples where you've influenced senior-level decisions or navigated complex relationships. Show them you can communicate effectively and align data strategies with enterprise priorities.