Head of Data Platform

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Role: Head of Data Platform

The leader for the Group data platform, steering us towards our goal of a global federated model with local ownership on our Group-governed data analytics platform. Reporting to the Group Chief Data Officer, this role oversees the design, architecture, engineering, operations and all other technology aspects of building out and running our data platform. Manages the technical team and oversees delivery of strategic projects and business initiatives. A collaborative player who can influence data staff around the business globally to join together on a shared data technology and platform trajectory.

Is the authority on the Data Platform features and functions, that:
•    Provides strategic leadership to both Platform and Data architecture to ensure products are built in alignment with Platform strategy and standards.
•    Owns the performance, monitoring, execution and issue management for the Platform.
•    Creates and implements software and data engineering best practices and standards.
•    Maintains and ensures the delivery of data, products and services to the business, making sure business requirements are met and delivered products/services are secure and reliable.
•    Ensures real world-focused Data Platform development with business value at the forefront.
•    Establishes appropriate tools, standards and best practices of Data Platform delivery to the business.
•    Develops an innovative approach, through being aware of new insurance products or new ways of insuring in order to spot potential opportunities and generate business growth.
•    Analyses market and competitive conditions for the Data Platform and proposes solutions to strengthen its position on the market.

Deep experience in successfully deploying data technology stacks such as Databricks, Snowflake, Azure, AWS, GCP etc.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.  Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent