Global Head of Application Solutions

Global Head of Application Solutions

London or Paris

Application solutions owns the end-to-end delivery of business solutions for strategic applications that are mature in functionality and non-strategic applications . Oversees the Application Solutions Operating Model including solution delivery, production support and maintenance across all platforms. Delivery of business solutions will be through both waterfall and scaled agile frameworks. Creates and maintains stakeholder relationships, understands the business strategy and the technology needs and challenges of the business. Ensures the cost-efficient delivery of applications and support business transformational change.

DISCOVER your opportunity

What will your essential responsibilities include?

Accountable for the strategy and execution of the Application Solutions Operating Model. Working with the AXA XL business, TCD (Transformation Change Delivery), GT teams and strategic vendors to create a business focused, scalable and cost optimal function.
Partner cross-functionally to ensure that the overall Applications Solutions Operating Model is efficient and continually improves.
Accountable for the end-to-end delivery of applications within Applications Solutions for AXA XL. Works closely with Transversal Apps Services and Digital Factory to ensure the scope of services are executed in line with the governance processes and business benefits are realised.
Partners with the Transformation Change Delivery Function and the business to ensure effective Project Delivery – on time, to budget, to scope.
Good understanding of the business strategy, architectural strategy and accountable for the delivery of the technical strategy to support the ambitions.
Collaborates with business stakeholders on opportunity identification, issue resolution and governance.
Responsible for running appropriate robust vendor management and able to demonstrate continuous improvement in cost efficiency of the portfolio of applications
Creates high-level organizational goals and objectives for Application Solutions. Ensures synergy with the broader business and Global Technology vision.
Works closely with the Head of Digital Factory and Transversal Application Services to continually ensure efficiencies across the two application Delivery Models.
In collaboration with Procurement, manages RFI/RFPs, contract negotiations and delivery of contract terms. Actively removes underperforming suppliers from Application Solutions.
Ensures that business cases for application investments, such as technology upgrades, productivity tools, and continuous service improvement initiatives are developed and adequately funded.
Ensures that Application Solutions adheres to Information Security policies, DPO and Audit standards through the SDLC.
Define and execute action plans for concerns raised as a result of audits
Support delivery through escalation of risks and issues
Control and manage the budget for Application Solutions
Sharing best practices across vendors

You will report to the Chief Information Officer.

SHARE your talent

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

Significant IT and business/industry work experience, including experience in managing multiple, large, cross-functional teams or projects, and influencing senior level management and key stakeholders.
Demonstrable ability to solve complex problems/issues
Excellent communications skills which are adapted to different audiences and can effectively drive consensus within the delivery team(s)
Adept at vendor management, both commercially and interpersonally, with a clear understanding of T&M, Managed Services, and Managed Outcome commercial models through both waterfall and agile delivery models
Ability to articulate problems, create solutions, and present analysis with proper detail and rigor for the target audience
Thought leader in implementing best practices with experience leading teams through change
Expert knowledge of application development and testing process using various software delivery methods (waterfall, agile, etc.) with a significant background in application development
Adaptable to new/different strategies, programs, technologies, practices, cultures, etc. Comfortable with change, able to easily make transitions.
Advanced experience / capability in Financial forecasting and business case justification
Must understand the Scaled Agile methodology and be familiar with multiple SDLC
Previous experience leading development and delivery teams in delivering high quality, low defect solutions
Experience in planning and executing multiple complex, large scale initiatives or operational areas.
Highly advanced analytical abilities with operational vision.
Stakeholder management
Proven planning and organization skills, creating own work schedules, prioritizing workload, preparing in advance and setting realistic timescales
Adaptable to new/different strategies, programs, technologies, practices, cultures, etc. Comfortable with change, able to easily make transitions.

FIND your future

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com

Inclusion & Diversity

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, and create an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe
Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
Enhanced family friendly leave benefits
Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars:

Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability

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