About Argenta
Argenta Group is headquartered in London and has a presence in Australia, employing over 280 people globally. We are proud of our unique and rich history of trading in the Lloyd's market, both as a Syndicate and Members' Agency, and to be part of the Hannover Re Group. Our long standing workforce are our greatest asset; the expertise and knowledge they bring has resulted in our successful track record and continues to shape our future growth strategy.
About the role
Argenta has significantly invested in its technology platform and brought in new capabilities to support the growing organisation.
A technology strategy has been defined and the organisation is looking for someone to join the company at this exciting time to refine and deliver it, as the organisation grows.
It has recently completed a migration to the Cloud and is going through a phase of optimisation. There are several strategic transformation projects underway and the IT department is a key part of these initiatives. Argenta is also investing in AI to support automation and to reduce administrative effort.
The Head of IT will work closely with department heads and team leads across the organisation.
As the Head of IT, your key responsibilities will involve
* Work with the COO to refine and deliver Argenta's multi-year IT strategy, target operating model and delivery roadmap that enable Argenta's wider business strategy
* Develop a technical solutions architecture for the group, and a technical strategy and roadmap for how we consolidate and optimise our technical estate, considering economies of scale and a principle of "common as possible, different as necessary," covering platforms, databases, interfaces, networks and infrastructure, and SAAS solutions, against defined technology best practise and clear standards/policies.
* Manage the IT department to ensure its services and capabilities remain relevant and appropriate for Argenta's needs.
* Oversee the technology delivery elements of the Group's Change portfolio, working with the Head of Change and their team to deliver strategic Change.
* Deliver and continue to improve an appropriate set of Metrics and KPIs that can show the improvements of relative cost and service performance in a clear non-technical way.
* Oversee the production and enhancement of the board/committee reporting on the IT function, to provide transparency and awareness/assurance on key matters, so that they are high quality, clear on the issues and root cause, and the actions to resolve.
* Additional key areas of responsibility are to:
* Ensure that the company's operations comply with industry regulation, legal requirements and internal policies
* Establish and maintain robust IT governance frameworks to ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies
* Ensure the effective risk management practises are in place to safeguard the integrity and security of all information assets
* Ensure that our cybersecurity strategy, solutions and incident management framework and processes are appropriately robust, to protect where possible our company from cyber threats (and to mitigate the impact of any events)
* Manage the IT budget, ensuring annual planning aligns to business strategic objectives and detailed plans, and resource allocations are optimised.
* Consider and develop outsourcing models and/or innovation/automation to improve service scope, quality, resilience and costs
* Participate in various change steering groups as required to drive the successful technology implementation of the significant and complex change portfolio
* To attract, develop and retain top quartile talent, whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement, service delivery, customer focus, and innovation. To also be a strong and vocal advocate for the group's commitment to building diverse and inclusive teams.
* As a leader, this role may be asked to provide more general support for the Group COO where required on ad hoc activities and duties and reporting obligations
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* Undertake any other related duties as may be reasonably required.
* Working for a regulated Company, you will be expected to perform your duties to the highest of standards, in accordance with the following Conduct Rules as specified by the FCA:
* You must act with integrity
* You must act with due care, skill and diligence
* You must be open and co-operative with the FCA, PRA and other regulators
* You must pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly
* You must observe proper standards of market conduct.
About you
* An established, proven, dynamic and forward thinking Head of IT with a Financial Services background (London and Lloyd's Market preferred)
* Proven ability to build, develop and lead high performing diverse teams, leading by example on all aspects of our cultural framework
* Strong strategic thinking and business acumen: Experience of developing an IT strategy, gaining business approval and funding, and driving the roadmap of change, and successfully realising the benefits
* Significant experience of successfully delivering large, complex, multi team, multi IT platform solutions, aligned to business strategic objectives
* Strong knowledge of developing Data capabilities and policies, with a track record of having delivered large scale Data Infrastructure to support an MI function.
* Excellent knowledge and experience of the end to end operational/IT requirements of the London Insurance market, with a track record of service development and improvement with strong measurement and reporting
* Proven ability to ensure the needs of the business are reflected in enhanced platform and data capabilities, coupled with experience in balancing shorter term tactical needs and prioritising these within the broader strategic plan.
* Experience with senior stakeholder and committee/board level governance and reporting
* Experience with vendor management (preferable with established long-term relationships) related to ensuring effective support for project delivery
* Excellent communication and people skills, able to work effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders at all levels, and gain cooperation and influence with and without authority
* Highly organized, self-motivated, customer focused, and service quality focused.
* Self-motivated with drive and enthusiasm requiring minimal direction and supervision
* Has a positive, analytical approach to problems and a structured and transparent approach to solutions design and implementation
* Highly capable at developing and maintaining effective and collaborative relationships at all levels.
Behaviours
These five behaviours sit at the heart of how we work at Argenta:
Supporting each other - Treat each other with dignity and respect, valuing our differences, so we can all be ourselves and achieve our goals.
Generating creative solutions - We do not settle for things that are not right; we do not walk by, we seek creative solutions.
Owning the delivery - We set clear objectives and deadlines; we are accountable and own the delivery end to end, knowing others will too.
Being Committed - High performing professionals, recognising the importance of wellbeing and balance in our lives.
Building longstanding relationships - Collaboration with our clients and those we work with is key; we work as a team to ensure the best outcomes.