Innovation Squad Lead and Head of Hub

1.AXA GROUP OPERATIONS AND GROUP DATA, AI & INNOVATION

In recent years, significant work has been done to digitize AXA’s business model. Nevertheless, due to massive technological changes, customers’ expectations and behaviors have considerably evolved. Thus, we are convinced that we must accelerate our technological transformation to achieve our ambition to become an innovative tech-led company. Massive opportunities offered by data and new technologies arise both for our traditional insurance business and for new services to achieve our Payer to Partner ambition. AXA Group Operations sets the tone and must play its role as one of the major catalysts of AXA’s global transformation. We are the ones triggering and empowering the evolution of our insurance business model through technology and innovation, driving its concrete implementation globally at speed, with a high quality of advisory and execution.

Within AXA Group Operations, Group Data, AI & Innovation (GDAI) explores and scales the value of data, AI, digital transformation, emerging technologies (IoT, Geospatial, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, etc.) as well as innovative business ideas with the potential to disrupt the current insurance business model and to shape future opportunities to better partner in our customers’ lives. GDAI and its spin-offs consist of 200+ inspiring minds located in Paris, Barcelona, London, Lausanne (on the EPFL campus) in Lausanne, and on San Francisco (on the Stanford campus) incubating and deploying solutions in co-creation and collaboration with AXA operating entities and strategic partners around the world.

2.PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The primary purpose of the Innovation Squad Lead is to foster growth through the identification and implementation of innovative technical risk practices using the latest advancements in data, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. This role is crucial in enabling AXA to maintain a leading position in the industry by keeping abreast of and staying ahead of market trends, seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technologies and innovative practices into its core business strategies, thereby securing long-term competitive advantage as a data/AI-driven and innovation-focused insurer. Additionally, the role includes development and animation of the GDAI London hub, overseeing operations, supporting a team of technical experts, and representing the hub in discussions with internal and external stakeholders.

3.MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovation Squad Lead (Technical Excellence)

Discovery and Planning

identify and promote innovation initiatives to enhance technical risk practices leveraging data & AI in coordination with the business units and Global communities/Expert network.

Serve as a bridge between the Global communities/Expert network and advanced AI research.

Facilitate decision making in the Global Innovation Committee.

Provide strategic direction, orchestrate business and technical expertise within specific initiatives.

Identify and consolidate innovation initiatives with a selection of AXA’s strategic partners

Development and Monitoring

Spearhead initiatives to build a “starting block” for incubating innovative products/services.

Define scaling roadmap (incl. scope, timelines and resource requirements) for initiatives within squad perimeter in alignment with business units.

Drive through established innovation processes (gate and budget)

Manage external consultancy teams to deliver scaling.

Identify resource requirements and provide necessary support to meet specific requests.

Regularly report to and advise the Stream Lead and GDAI leadership on initiatives progress and risks.

Collaborate with transformation P&C Pricing Squad Lead to support the transition of successful innovation initiatives from pilot to scale within the organization.

Head of London Hub

Operations Management

Co-manageoperations (with facility and operations manager in Paris) of the hub including facilities, general operational logistics, budgeting, regulatory compliance, animation and coordination with external vendors/service providers and with other hubs

Support building a team of technical experts (Actuary, Data Scientist, Gen AI expert, …)

Foster an environment that encourages creative thinking, collaboration and delivering value.

Ecosystem Management

Foster connections with the external innovation community (startups, industry associations…).

Structure a partners ecosystem to support innovation and associated scaling

Build and develop a strong academic partnership to foster research in emerging technologies

Provide insights on market trends and competitor strategies to inform strategic direction.

Facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making regarding partnerships and external collaborations.

Engage in public speaking, publications, and industry forums to advocate AXA's vision and achievements in data, AI, emerging technologies and innovationin alignment with GAID thought leadership team and GO communication team

Strengthen relationship with local AXA entities (in particular AXA XL)

Your Profile

An advanced degree in Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Business Administration, Mathematics or a related field.

Over 15 years of relevant experience in a technical role within the data, AI, or technology domain.

Proven track record, with at least 10 years, in leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams in a complex corporate environment, preferably in the insurance or financial services industry.

Over 10 years of experience in using technology and data/AI to drive significant business growth and operational efficiency.

Deep understanding of core insurance business processes, products, associated data and technical risks with at least 5 years of experience within P&C Actuarial and/or Underwriting teams.

Thorough knowledge of Data science/AI Innovation project lifecycle, with at least 5 years in driving and implementing data analytics driven projects.

Demonstrated success in product innovation and service delivery, with experience in incubating and scaling data and AI innovation use cases, preferably in insurance or financial services industry.

Understanding of data governance and compliance with significant experience navigating the regulatory landscape of data and AI.

Excellent communication and influencing skills, with extensive experience engaging with C-level executives and external stakeholders.

Ability to structure and present information derived from ambiguous and unclear situations.

Strong business acumen, with a minimum of 10 years in a role that required aligning data, AI and/or technology initiatives with corporate strategic objectives.

About AXA

As a world-leading insurance company, we act for human progress by protecting what matters. With 153,000 employees in 54 countries working with 105 million customers, we’ve created a truly dynamic and vibrant community. Inclusion and diversity link closely with our values, and together we’re nurturing a culture of
respect, for each other, for our customers and the communities around us. Join AXA and you’ll feel like you belong, are included and can thrive. You’ll be able to shape the way you work and truly grow your potential as you seek out new opportunities, push boundaries and benefit people in critical moments of their lives. This is your chance to build the tomorrow you want. Know you can.

About the Entity

AXA is becoming a sustainable tech-led company and at AXA Group Operations we are one of the major catalysts for this transformation. 

We set the tone by triggering and empowering the evolution of our insurance business model through technology and innovation, driving its concrete implementation globally at speed, with a high quality of advisory and execution.

We are present across 17 countries with committed, highly qualified teams. We leverage technology, data, sourcing, security and investment allocation in a global way, but also achieve economies of scale and synergies when necessary.

At AXA Group Operations, we want to be recognized in three fields of action:

State-of-the-art Data Technology to drive customer experience State-of-the-art Procurement & Sourcing to drive efficiency and better manage risks High-Performing Global Team for stronger partnerships with AXA entities 
What We Offer

We bring together the expertise, cultural diversity and creativity of over 8,000 employees worldwide and we’re committed to equal opportunities in all aspects of employment (gender, LGBT+, disabled persons, or people of different origins) and to promoting Diversity & Inclusion by creating a work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect, and where individual differences are valued.

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