Job Description
Head of IT Strategy, Architecture & Risk Location: Dublin, IEDescription: Canada Life Assurance Europe plc (‘CLE’), a company within the Great West Lifeco Group, is a life assurance company with a branch in Germany. CLE sells unit-linked pension and protection products to customers in Germany through independent brokers. We have offices in Dublin, Cologne and Neu-Isenburg (near Frankfurt).Our brand values reflect the kind of company we are today and strive to continue to be in the future:Ambitious: We consistently pursue our goals and constantly look for new opportunities and we are ready to go the extra mile for our customers.Creative: Together with our partners we offer appropriate and flexible solutions that inspire.Unconventional: We break new ground in order to offer our customers the best protection for a good life.Better: We constantly work on our abilities and strive to offer our customers superior products and services.Strong: Based on our performance and with the support of our Canadian parent company we look to provide the highest security for the future for our customers, partners and employees alike.Collaborative: We move forward together, helping each other to become better and together we find good solutions both for the customer and for ourselves.Responsible: We act transparently and fairly, and are forward-thinking and risk-aware for the benefit of our customers, partners and employees.People – our customers and employees alike – are at the heart of everything we do at CLE. We share a deep commitment to our customers and to each other. If you are looking to work in an inclusive, supportive and dynamic workplace on a path of growth, we’re glad you found us! Whether you are starting your career or looking to develop your expertise as a specialist, we’ll support you every step of the way.What we offerHybrid working model – excellent city centre location 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 to name but a few.Role OverviewCanada Life Europe (CLE) is seeking a Head of IT Strategy, Architecture, & Risk to join our Information Services (I.S.) Team at Abbey Street, Dublin.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, distributed through independent brokers. Its growth strategy sees an increasing focus on workplace pensions and improving the customer & adviser experience while driving efficiencies leveraging technology, digital and data.The Information Services function has over 130 people in the team, and this role is a Senior Leadership role reporting to the CLE Chief Information Officer (CIO).CLE has recently completed a migration of its core processing systems to the i-Suite platform provided by msg Life, and using this platform, along with Salesforce at the core of its digitalization initiatives is now focused on exploiting these capabilities to drive business growth and efficiency within CLE.What you will help us to achieveWe are looking for a Head of IT Strategy, Architecture and Risk (SAR) that is not just a technology expert but also a strategic leader who aligns technology initiatives with business objectives for sustainable growth.The role necessitates effectively communicating technical strategies, challenges, and achievements to Board, Executive Team members and other key stakeholders including the European Technology Team. This communication is crucial to align technology initiatives with overall business objectives and gain the support of key decision-makers. The Head of SAR promotes an environment where collaboration thrives, innovation is encouraged, and continuous improvement is embraced.The Architecture function designs solutions to address business needs or problems, consistent with the technical direction. The Head of SAR will manage this Architecture team and have overall responsibility for the implementation of the technical direction within the company, working closely with the Head of Engineering.Additionally, the IS Risk Manager and team will report into the Head of SAR. This team will continuously track key risk metrics, produce board-level and Exec-level reports, and flag any anomalies or potential issues before they escalate into major problems, with the Head of SAR providing support and direction to this team as required.What you will need to be successful in the roleEssential Skills and Experience:Significant experience and a proven track record of developing, leading and implementing Enterprise Architecture practices across software development, application and infrastructure technologies in large complex organisations, preferably across multiple geographies.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 in CLE and across the Group.Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills.Key CompetenciesOutward Focus - Have an outward focus; understands the external environment and needs of customers?Drive Innovation - Challenge the status quo & inspire creativity & new ways of doing things?Develop Talent - Is a talent developer? Are they focused on building a strong team for the future?Build Collaborative Partnerships - Build strong collaborative partnerships across the business?Risk and ControlCommercial AwarenessThe company reserves the right to draw up a shortlist as part of the selection process.Canada Life Group Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer. We have created an environment of inclusion and growth to help people achieve their potential, to ensure they can bring their whole selves to work and to feel valued.If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process please contact sarah.olwill@irishlife.ie and we will be delighted to ensure you are fully supported to be your best. #J-18808-Ljbffr