Group Head of Applications and Architecture

SGI; Connecticut; On-site; USD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

SGI is seeking a senior Group CIO/CTO to shape the architecture and application landscape for a rapidly growing MGA. You will set the direction for scalable platforms, integrate with carriers and partners, and embed AI into core workflows.

You will lead a team of architects and engineers, driving modernization and strategic vendor relationships. The role emphasizes cloud-first design, API-driven integration, and governance to meet regulatory expectations across underwriting, billing, claims, and

Qualifications

• Senior experience leading architecture in insurance.
• Proven record modernizing core insurance platforms.
• Hands-on AI/ML or intelligent automation in production.
• Deep knowledge of cloud, APIs, data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the group’s enterprise, application and data architecture strategy.
• Lead the application portfolio across policy administration, rating, underwriting workbenches, billing, claims, CRM and finance.
• Design an API-first, event-driven integration layer connecting carriers, brokers, delegated partners and third-party data sources.
• Partner with underwriting and operations to put AI and automation into production with human oversight.
• Establish architecture governance, standards and design authority, covering security by design, data quality, scalability and debt.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of architects, engineers and application owners, alongside strategic vendors.
• Manage technology partners and vendors against SLAs, outcomes and cost.
• Ensure platforms meet security, resilience and regulatory expectations of partners and regulators.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Insurance domain

Cloud architecture

APIs & integration

AI & automation

Leadership

Vendor management

Tools

Azure

AWS

API management

Job description

Our client is a fast growing MGA specializing in Financial Lines and Property & Casualty. Backed by significant new investment, the business is entering its next phase of growth and has made technology central to its strategy.

The ambition is clear: to become a genuine leader in AI and automation across underwriting, distribution and operations, not a follower.

The opportunity

This is a newly created, group level role and a chance to shape the architecture and application landscape of an MGA at an inflection point. Reporting to the Group CIO/CTO, you will own the design, delivery and evolution of the platforms the business runs on. You will set the architectural direction that allows the business to scale, integrate with carrier and distribution partners, and embed AI and automation into its core workflows.

Key responsibilities

• Define and own the group’s enterprise, application and data architecture strategy, aligned to the business’s growth and investment plans.
• Lead the application portfolio across policy administration, rating, underwriting workbenches, billing, claims, CRM and finance, making sound build, buy and partner decisions.
• Design an API-first, event-driven integration layer connecting carriers, brokers, delegated partners and third-party data sources.
• Partner with underwriting and operations leaders to put AI and automation into production, from submission ingestion and triage to underwriting decision support and bordereaux processing, with human oversight built in.
• Establish architecture governance, standards and design authority, covering security by design, data quality, scalability and technical debt.
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing team of architects, engineers and application owners, alongside strategic vendors.
• Manage key technology partners and vendors against clear SLAs, outcomes and cost.
• Ensure platforms meet the security, resilience and regulatory expectations of carrier partners, auditors and regulators.

About you

• Senior experience leading application and architecture functions in insurance, ideally within an MGA, carrier or specialty environment.
• A strong understanding of Financial Lines and/or P&C insurance workflows, including underwriting, policy, claims and delegated authority.
• A proven record of modernizing core insurance platforms and delivering complex integration programs.
• Hands-on experience taking AI, machine learning or intelligent automation from pilot into production with measurable business outcomes.
• Deep knowledge of cloud architecture (Azure and/or AWS), APIs, integration patterns and modern data platforms.
• A commercially minded leader who can translate business ambition into a pragmatic, funded technology roadmap.
• Able to influence at executive level and build trusted partnerships with underwriting, operations and finance.