Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering

QBE Insurance; Greater London; On-site; GBP 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working

Pension

Job summary

QBE Insurance in London is seeking a Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering to lead the global data team. You will own strategy, roadmap and architecture for data hubs, analytics and consumption platforms, balancing transformation with stable BAU operations.

The role requires senior leadership, cloud-based data platform expertise, governance and supplier management. This is a permanent, full‑time position based in London with flexible working options and sponsorship considered.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in data platform, data engineering or analytics roles.
• Deep understanding of modern data and AI platform architectures and cloud ecosystems.
• Experience delivering large-scale data platform transformation and operating enterprise platforms.
• Strong governance, security, risk management and regulatory compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Own the strategy and roadmap for Data & AI platforms, including data hubs, analytics and data consumption platforms.
• Define and implement data platform architecture, engineering standards and design patterns aligned to enterprise direction.
• Lead delivery of data platform change initiatives, balancing transformation with stable BAU operations.
• Own platform operations including reliability, performance, scalability and security.
• Establish, manage and report against SLAs and OLAs across data platforms and services.
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy and regulatory requirements across all data platforms.
• Implement frameworks for data quality, observability, lineage and metadata in partnership with governance teams.
• Oversee operational monitoring, incident management and continuous optimisation of platform services.
• Build and lead high-performing data engineering and platform operations teams.
• Manage third-party vendors and partners to ensure effective delivery and value for money.

Skills

Senior leadership

Data platform architectures

Cloud-based ecosystems

Stakeholder management

Job description

Primary Details

Time Type: Full time
Worker Type: Employee

• Location: London
• Type: Permanent, full time
• Flexible working: Happy to talk flexible working

Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering

• Location: London
• Type: Permanent, full time
• Flexible working: Happy to talk flexible working

The Opportunity

QBE Europe is recruiting a Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering to join our Global Data team based in London. QBE EO is on an ambitious journey to strengthen and scale its Data, Analytics and AI capabilities. This role plays a critical part in establishing secure, resilient and scalable data and AI platforms that enable trusted business intelligence, advanced analytics and AI across the organisation.

This is a senior leadership role accountable for both the strategic evolution and the day‑to‑day operation of EO’s data and AI platform estate. The role balances transformation delivery with stable business‑as‑usual operations, ensuring platforms are reliable, compliant and aligned to enterprise priorities.

Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.

About QBE

At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch.

We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.

What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.

Your New Role

• Own the strategy and roadmap for Data & AI platforms, including data hubs, analytics and data consumption platforms.
• Define and implement data platform architecture, engineering standards and design patterns aligned to enterprise direction.
• Lead delivery of data platform change initiatives, balancing transformation with stable BAU operations.
• Own platform operations including reliability, performance, scalability and security.
• Establish, manage and report against SLAs and OLAs across data platforms and services.
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy and regulatory requirements across all data platforms.
• Implement frameworks for data quality, observability, lineage and metadata in partnership with governance teams.
• Oversee operational monitoring, incident management and continuous optimisation of platform services.
• Build and lead high‑performing data engineering and platform operations teams.
• Manage third‑party vendors and partners to ensure effective delivery and value for money.

About You

• Proven senior leadership experience in data platform, data engineering or analytics engineering roles.
• Deep understanding of modern data and AI platform architectures and cloud‑based ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large‑scale data platform transformation and operating enterprise platforms.
• Strong understanding of data governance, security, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and managing third‑party suppliers.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels.
• A pragmatic leadership style, balancing innovation with operational rigour.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:

• 30 days holiday a yearwith theoptionto buy up to 2additionaldays.
• Flexible working-balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.
• Pension –you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.

Awards & Recognition

We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:

Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance

AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year

Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer

Skills

Adaptability, Business Management, Coaching for success, Critical Thinking, Influencing, Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure, Information Technology (IT) Risk Management, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Navigating ambiguity, Process Improvements, Strategic Agility, Strategic Management, Strategic Thinking, Technology Strategy Development

Equal Employment Opportunity

QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.