Join to apply for the Head of Applications role at Specialist Risk Group
Join to apply for the Head of Applications role at Specialist Risk Group
Overview
At Specialist Risk Group (SRG), we specialise in delivering expert risk solutions for complex, high-stakes challenges across a range of sectors. From insurance and professional indemnity to bespoke risk management services, our work demonstrates both precision and adaptability, reflecting our commitment to helping clients navigate even the most demanding scenarios.
Job Title
Head of Applications
Location: London
About The Role
The Head of Applications is responsible for the overall strategy, architecture, management, and performance of the application landscape across the group. This includes ownership of core broking systems (e.g., policy admin, claims, CRM), integration platforms, customer portals, and other business applications.
This role leads a team of application specialists and solutions architects, working closely with business stakeholders, IT leadership, and external vendors to ensure application platforms support business growth, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
* Own and manage the full lifecycle of all enterprise applications, including core insurance systems, CRM, claims platforms, and portals
* Define and execute the applications strategy and architecture in alignment with the company’s business goals and technology roadmap
* Lead a team of application specialists and solutions architects
* Collaborate closely with business units (underwriting, claims, operations, finance) to capture requirements and deliver scalable solutions
* Ensure application performance, availability, and security across the estate
* Manage relationships with third-party vendors, software providers, and system integrators
* Deliver application transformation initiatives, including system upgrades, cloud migrations, and integrations
* Establish and maintain robust governance, documentation, and compliance with regulatory requirements (FCA, GDPR, etc.)
Who We’re Looking For
Skills & Experience
* Technical Expertise
o Proven experience managing enterprise applications across a mid-to-large organization that is growing rapidly through M&A
o Strong understanding of application architecture, integration methods (e.g., APIs, middleware), and cloud environments (Azure, Salesforce Cloud, etc.)
o Hands-on familiarity with insurance-specific platforms such as Acturis, riskServe, Salesforce
* Industry Knowledge
o 5+ years of experience in or supporting an insurance brokerage environment
o Deep knowledge of industry workflows, including policy administration, underwriting, claims, compliance, and renewals
* Leadership & Management
o Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and grow high-performing technical team
o Experience managing third-party vendors, contracts, and outsourced delivery models
o Strong stakeholder engagement skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
* Project & Change Delivery
o Experience delivering application transformation, including legacy system replacement and digital initiatives
o Familiar with SDLC and DevOps methodologies; experience using tools such as Azure DevOps or similar
* Governance & Compliance
o Working knowledge of FCA regulatory requirements and data privacy laws (e.g. GDPR)
o Experience ensuring compliance, audit-readiness, and security within enterprise applications
* Key Competencies
o Strategic thinking and business acumen
o Strong leadership and people management skills
o Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
o Experience of architecture in environments that rely heavily on SAAS
o Vendor and contract negotiation skills
o Change management and digital transformation expertise
* Desirable Competencies
o Experience with data analytics platforms and BI tools
o Familiarity with cybersecurity and data privacy in financial services
o Certifications such as ITIL, TOGAF, or PMP
o Exposure to AI/automation in insurance processes
What You’ll Get
* Extensive knowledge of UK insurance broking and MGA operations, ideally spanning Retail, Wholesale, and Underwriting
* Significant experience in post-acquisition integration, team lift-integration, operating model design, or senior business analysis within financial services
* Strong understanding of the UK regulatory and operational environment for insurance intermediaries (e.g. FCA requirements, TOBAs, client money, insurer relationships)
* Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills
* Proven ability to operate at senior level, engaging with executives, workstream leads, and acquired company or team leadership
* Highly analytical, structured, and comfortable handling complex operational and regulatory detail
Personal Attributes
* Strategic and commercially astute, with the ability to balance detail with the “big picture.”
* Collaborative, approachable, and able to build trust quickly.
* Resilient and adaptable, with a practical, problem-solving approach.
* Confident in working at pace in a change-driven environment.
What To Expect
At SRG, our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, respectful culture—one where people feel empowered, valued, and equipped for growth. We embrace new ideas, adapt to challenges, and celebrate shared success.
We’re committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to everyone. If you have a disability or require any adjustments—whether during the hiring process or in your day-to-day role—we’ll work with you to ensure you have the support you need. Just let us know how we can help.
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