Group Head of IT Business Services

The Lancashire Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance organization in London seeks a Group Head of IT Business Services to lead and transform IT services supporting key functions such as Underwriting and Operations. This permanent position requires a senior IT leader with extensive experience in the insurance or financial services sector, skilled in managing IT transformation initiatives, and fostering innovation through data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will drive the integration of business-aligned IT services and ensure operational efficiency across departments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior IT leader within insurance or financial services.
• Strong understanding of underwriting, claims, actuarial, and exposure management processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead IT transformation initiatives, including automation and SaaS adoption.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an IT Business Services strategy aligned with business goals.
• Establish Service Integration and Management (SIAM) practices for seamless coordination.
• Oversee IT service delivery for core insurance functions, ensuring operational efficiency.

Skills

Senior IT leadership experience

Insurance sector knowledge

IT transformation initiatives

Vendor management skills

Analytical thinking

Job description

Group Head of IT Business Services

Department: IT

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Description

Purpose
The Group Head of IT Business Services is responsible for leading and transforming IT business services supporting Underwriting, Operations, Actuarial, and Exposure Management across all Lancashire jurisdictions. This role ensures technology solutions are aligned with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and Lancashire’s strategic vision of “Empowering our Digital Tomorrow.” The remit includes driving the adoption of a business service model, optimising operational efficiency, and fostering innovation through automation, data-driven decision-making, and managed services. The role reports directly to the Group Chief Information Officer and is pivotal in shaping the IT strategy and operational delivery for core insurance functions.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT Business Services strategy aligned with business growth objectives and operational priorities.
• Establish and oversee Service Integration and Management (SIAM) practices, ensuring seamless coordination and performance across multiple service providers and internal teams to deliver integrated, business-aligned IT services.
• Lead the transition to an IT Business Service model, ensuring end-to-end product ownership and alignment of technical decisions with business goals.
• Oversee IT service delivery for Underwriting, Claims, Actuarial, Exposure Management, and Operations, ensuring robust, compliant, and efficient business processes.
• Champion automation initiatives (e.g., OneTouch Productivity) and drive continual improvement in operational efficiency.
• Implement and maintain a federated data approach, fostering a data-driven culture and supporting advanced analytics and AI initiatives.
• Reduce technical debt by streamlining the hybrid technical estate, eliminating duplication, and transitioning to managed services and SaaS where appropriate.
• Ensure business continuity and operational resilience by protecting and optimising IT systems, reducing legacy dependencies, and enhancing system reliability.
• Act as the primary liaison between IT and business units, translating business needs into technical solutions and measurable outcomes.
• Foster cross-functional teams to reduce handoffs, accelerate delivery, and improve business alignment.
• Engage with non-technical leaders to ensure understanding and ownership of IT-enabled business products.
• Oversee relevant IT vendor management, contract negotiations, and cost optimisation, ensuring value delivery and system reliability.
• Ensure IT governance, security, and compliance standards are met across all jurisdictions and business functions.
• Prepare and present data-driven reports and Board materials, providing leadership with clear insights into IT performance, value, and innovation.
• Identify and pursue outsourcing opportunities and service integration to maximise value and cost efficiency.
• Continuously seek out savings and efficiencies, balancing investment in new capabilities with the need to manage legacy systems.

Essential Skills & Requirements

• Proven experience as a senior IT leader within insurance or financial services, with a strong understanding of underwriting, claims, actuarial, and exposure management processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead IT transformation initiatives, including automation, managed services, and SaaS adoption.
• Expertise in IT service management, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong vendor management, contract negotiation, and cost optimisation skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, with experience engaging both technical and non-technical leaders.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and innovation.
• Ability to operate under pressure and manage complex, multi-jurisdictional IT operations.

The Lancashire Way

At Lancashire, we believe our culture sets us apart. The way we behave and approach our work day-to-day is what makes us unique and creates a positive experience for our people, business partners and other stakeholders. Honesty and integrity in all we do is a given and The Lancashire Way reflects our true character and spirit.

Straight-talking We feel empowered to share thoughts and ideas, because everyone’s voice matters.

Collaborative We work together towards common goals, share knowledge and support each other.

Hard-working We all have a stake in the company’s success and are proactive in contributing to our goals and vision.

Responsible We focus on achieving tangible results with consistent standards across the Group.

Positive We engage with brokers, clients, communities, stakeholders and colleagues professionally and passionately as proud ambassadors of Lancashire.