Head of Platform

Job Type:
Permanent

Build a brilliant future with Hiscox

Position: Head of Platform Delivery

Reporting to: Chief Technology Officer - Hiscox UK

Location: York

Type: Permanent

Introduction

IT at Hiscox operates as a strategic business partner as opposed to a more traditional support function and is central to the Hiscox strategy, driving the agenda in the UK Business Unit. We are made up of people who push the organization to think differently and therefore look to attract / recruit people who aren’t afraid to challenge how things are done and approach their work with a pioneering mindset. IT is not a home for the faint hearted. We are trusted for our track record of delivery and respected for our commercial thinking and have earned our place at the table.

The Head of Platform Delivery will lead and develop multi disciplined teams - across analysts, configurators, software engineers, quality engineers and agile delivery leads - to deliver consistent high quality change in developing our core platforms across a mixture of bespoke code build systems and configuration of out of the box software features.

What you will be doing:
- Accountable for delivery for a number of Value Streams and key projects.- Accountable for the technical relationship, staffing levels, task management and deliverables of 3rd party software suppliers including, timely delivery, quality, security, maintainability and efficiency.- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, such as executive sponsors, product owners, business analysts, vendors and other technology teams, ensuring alignment and integration of the software functions with the wider technology landscape.- Develop key stakeholder relationships across UK leadership team and extended leadership team, acting as a trusted advisor and collaborator in development of technology solutions.- Plan, prioritise and coordinate the delivery of software functionality across multiple teams and projects in alignment with the business strategy and roadmap.- Providing effective and proactive support and expertise to programmes and projects, creating innovative and actionable plans, and optimising solution delivery- Interpret and contextualise business requirements into actionable technology roadmaps with well-defined benefits and cost requirements- Provide clear and consistent communication, feedback and coaching to the team members and stakeholders, ensuring alignment of expectations and objectives.- To develop team psychological safety, and in turn develop a continuous improvement culture, with team and individual ownership focussed on improving efficiency and quality- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and customer / delivery focus within and across the teams - aligned to agile principles and best practices.- Identify and manage risks and issues that may impact the delivery, quality, scope or ongoing function of the technology platforms.- Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance and quality of the software functions, identifying and implementing improvement opportunities and ensuring alignment with the architectural vision and standards.

Required Experience- 5+ years in a senior Technology leadership role coupled with extensive senior stakeholder engagement experience and commercial/financial awareness- Significant experience and evidence of the ability to lead multi disciplined delivery teams, providing coaching and mentoring, and leveraging competencies/capabilities across the team to achieve overall business outcomes- Strong vendor management experience including knowledge of contracting and experience in negotiating- Commercially astute with experience of developing technology and change focussed budgets, for change and run within a complex multi-source service / supplier environment.- An extensive background in software delivery in a regulated environment, ideally Insurance- Previous leadership experience, with a proven track record in building high performing teams- Experience of running multiple budgets and providing accurate forecasts for internal and external costs- Experience of running successful teams in parallel with measured goals and objectives (OKR’s)

Rewards

On top of a competitive salary, we also offer a wide range of benefits.- 25 days annual leave plus two Hiscox days- 4-week paid sabbatical after every 5 years of service- Company and personal performance related bonus.- Contributory pension

Other benefits include:
- Money towards gym membership.- Christmas gift.- 4 x life insurance.

About us

At Hiscox we care about our people. We hire the best people for the job, and we are committed to diversity and creating a truly inclusive culture, which we believe drives success.

As an international specialist insurer, we are far removed from the world of mass insurance products, selectively focusing on key areas of expertise and strength, all of which is underpinned by a culture that encourages us to