Head of Core Modernisation & Architecture

ms first capital insurance limited; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

MS First Capital is seeking a Director – Architecture & Core Modernization to lead enterprise architecture strategy and modernization across Treaty, Facultative, and Large Commercial portfolios. The role defines target-state architecture, evaluates replacement vs modular options, and translates frameworks into executable roadmaps.

The incumbent acts as the technical authority on systems, integration, data, and security, guiding governance and execution across on-prem or hybrid environments in a

Qualifications

• 15+ years in Insurance/Reinsurance technology.
• Minimum 3 years as Head of IT/Director.
• Experience leading core modernization programs.
• Hands-on architecture across applications, integration, data, infrastructure and security.
• Experience operating in on-prem or hybrid environments.
• TOGAF or equivalent architectural certification.
• APAC regional transformation experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and govern target-state architecture and modernization roadmaps.
• Lead enterprise architecture strategy across treaty, facultative, and large commercial portfolios.
• Oversee integration, data architecture and security alignment in modernization.
• Act as technical authority and present strategy to Exec Committee and Board.
• Collaborate with program delivery on migration planning and cutover architecture.
• Represent the organization in regional/global architectural forums.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Core modernization

Executive communication

Leadership

On-prem / hybrid

APAC experience

Architecture governance

Education

TOGAF certification

Job description

For the past 76 years, MS First Capital has been actively involved in the non-life insurance business both in Singapore and across Asia. Our roots can be traced back to the 1950s where we engaged in writing both personal and commercial lines of non-life insurance business across various classes such as Fire, Engineering, Marine Hull, Marine Cargo, Bond, Professional Indemnity, Motor, Public Liability, Worker's Compensation, Personal Accident and other Miscellaneous Accident.

We are a reputable source of cutting-edge insurance options, catering to a diverse range of clients, both individuals and corporate. We are proud that our financial strength rating of 'A+ (Superior)' with 'Stable' outlook has been reaffirmed by AM Best, given our consistently impressive financial performance. We are also recently awarded Top 300 Employer by the Singapore Opportunity Index for our effort in creating meaningful career pathways, fostering inclusive growth, and investing in our employees' potential.

This is a perfect gateway into the highly niche sector of non-life reinsurance, part of Singapore's bustling financial services sector. As a wholly-owned entity of the world-renowned Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (MSI) Group, we are dedicated to developing young talents for our sector. As a member of our talent pool, you can look forward to comprehensive professional training, sponsorship of professional qualifications, a friendly and collaborative culture and a competitive compensation package.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Director – Architecture & Core Modernization to lead enterprise architecture strategy and core modernization initiatives across our Reinsurance (Treaty & Facultative) and Large Commercial insurance portfolios.

This role will define and govern the target-state architecture, evaluate replace vs modular modernization strategies, and translate architectural frameworks into executable transformation roadmaps.

The incumbent will serve as the organization’s technical authority on core systems, integration, data architecture, and modernization sequencing — ensuring design integrity while enabling controlled execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Enterprise Architecture Leadership

• Define and maintain enterprise architecture blueprint across:
  • Core policy & reinsurance systems
  • Claims platforms
  • Underwriting workbench
  • Integration layers
  • Data & analytics
  • Infrastructure & security
• Apply recognized frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, domain-driven design) and translate them into practical execution paths.
• Establish and chair Solution Design Authority (SDA) following the Group Architecture frameworks

2. Core Modernization Strategy

• Assess current core platforms and determine Replace vs Modularize vs Enhance pathways
• Define phased modernization roadmap aligned with business growth and risk appetite.
• Prevent vendor-driven architecture drift.
• Lead technical evaluation of core system vendors and solutions.
• Design modernization sequencing to minimize migration risk.

3. Reinsurance & Commercial Domain Alignment

• Ensure architectural designs support:
  • Treaty & Facultative accounting complexity
  • Bordereaux handling
  • Retrocession structures
  • Large Commercial underwriting workflows
  • Claims lifecycle integrity
• Align modernization strategy with IFRS17 and regulatory reporting requirements.

4. Integration & Data Architecture Governance

• Define API-first integration strategy.
• Rationalize legacy point-to-point integrations.
• Design migration data models and reconciliation frameworks.
• Ensure data governance standards are embedded in modernization plans.

5. Engineering Oversight & Standards

• Define engineering principles and DevOps standards.
• Review solution designs before build approval.
• Maintain architecture repository and technical debt register.
• Collaborate closely with Infrastructure and Security teams to embed secure-by-design practices.

6. Collaboration with Core Delivery

• Partner with Program Managers on:
  • Migration planning
  • Parallel run strategy
  • Cutover architecture
• Provide technical escalation support during high-risk transitions.

7. Executive & Regional Representation

• Represent the organization in regional and global architectural forums.
• Present modernization strategy to Executive Committee and Board.
• Provide clear, structured architectural guidance during regulatory or audit reviews.

Requirements

Mandatory:

• 15+ years in Insurance and/or Reinsurance technology.
• Deep exposure to leading complex programs with minimum 3 years of experience as Head of IT/ Director.
• Salary range indicated in this posting serves strictly as a guide.
• Demonstrated experience leading core modernization (full replacement or modular transformation).
• Strong hands-on architecture design experience across:
  • Applications
  • Integration
  • Data
  • Infrastructure
  • Security alignment
• Experience operating in predominantly on-prem or hybrid environments.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.

• TOGAF or equivalent architectural certification.
• Experience with core insurance/ reinsurance platforms
• APAC regional transformation experience.

Due to the volume of applications received, we will only contact shortlisted candidates. We may retain your personal data for as long as it is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which they were collected, or as required or permitted by applicable laws. Should you disagree, please contact our Data Protection Officer for more information on the retention and disposal of your personal data.