Job Description
Head of IT Strategy, Architecture & Risk
Canada Life Assurance Europe plc, a life assurance company with a branch in Germany, is seeking a strategic leader to align technology initiatives with business objectives for sustainable growth.
**Job Description:**
Canada Life Assurance Europe plc is a life assurance company with a branch in Germany, offering unit-linked pension and protection products to customers through independent brokers. The company has offices in Dublin, Cologne, and Neu-Isenburg, and is part of the Great West Lifeco Group.
**Our Values:**
• Ambitious: We consistently pursue our goals and constantly look for new opportunities.
• Creative: We offer appropriate and flexible solutions that inspire.
• Unconventional: We break new ground to offer our customers the best protection for a good life.
• Better: We constantly work on our abilities to offer superior products and services.
• Strong: We provide the highest security for the future for our customers, partners, and employees.
• Collaborative: We move forward together, helping each other to become better.
• Responsible: We act transparently and fairly, and are forward-thinking and risk-aware.
**What We Offer:**
• Hybrid working model with attractive working from home options
• Personal Protection: Company Pension, Death in Service Benefit, Health Insurance Allowance, Income Protection Scheme, optional Specified Illness Scheme
• Health & Wellness: Top-Class Employee Assistance Programme, Bike to Work Scheme, Policies supporting Work/Life balance, Digital Doctor
**Role Overview:**
Canada Life Europe is seeking a Head of IT Strategy, Architecture, & Risk to join our Information Services Team. The company has established a fast-growing presence in one of the world's largest and most established markets, offering a full suite of unit-linked pension, savings, and protection solutions.
**Key Responsibilities:**
• Develop, lead, and implement Enterprise Architecture practices across software development, application, and infrastructure technologies
• Align technology initiatives with business objectives for sustainable growth
• Communicate technical strategies, challenges, and achievements to Board, Executive Team members, and other key stakeholders
• Manage the Architecture team and have overall responsibility for the implementation of the technical direction within the company
• Continuously track key risk metrics, produce board-level and Exec-level reports, and flag any anomalies or potential issues
**Requirements:**
• Significant experience and a proven track record of developing, leading, and implementing Enterprise Architecture practices
• Expert level of knowledge of IT Enterprise Architecture
• Expert technologist with broad knowledge across modern software development practices, infrastructure, cloud, application, and enterprise architecture
• Deep knowledge and understanding of IT governance and risk and operational risk
• Direct experience with financial management issues and activities, preparing budgets and forecasts based on operational requirements
• Experienced Change Agent – with experience leading organisations through strategic change and innovation cycles
• Strong knowledge of product and service life cycles
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a technology-related field; MBA or other relevant master's degree is a plus
**Desired Skills & Experience:**
• Knowledge of insurance industry applications and products
• Working knowledge of German language
• TOGAF or equivalent certification
• Competencies: Strategic Thinking, Planning and Decision Making, Ability to influence key senior stakeholders/peers, Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills