Group Head of Enterprise Data Architecture

Our opportunity

Zurich Insurance has an established group data office(DBI) led by group chief data officer and operating under the leadership of our Group head of Tech and Ops(GTO). Reporting directly to group chief data officer, we are looking to hire group head of enterprise data architecture in order to spearhead the core mission of DBI across the group. As part of our way forward program Data has become an elevated priority as well as a distinguishing characteristic of the new IT organization and the global enterprise. The role of this mission will be to enable Zurich Insurance to become a truly data-driven company that leverages timely information for better decision-making, improved planning, better execution, and anticipation of the changing needs of our operations and customers. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Group Head of Enterprise Data Architecture to lead our company's data architecture strategy. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing data architecture solutions that align with business objectives, enhance data quality, and support the organization's growth.

We are looking for a dynamic leader who is a data expert and is equally adept at strategy and execution. He/she must have proven experience in navigating a complex, matrix-structured organization. In this role, you will directly lead a team of senior data architects and help shape group level thinking in the following areas: data strategy & architecture, business intelligence, data engineering, master data management & governance, data operations and platforms. You will be undertaking these tasks for Life, P&C, Claims and other LOBs across the globe.

This role will have strong leadership visibility with the opportunity to have an impact from day one, leveraged by a direct reporting line into the Group Chief Data Officer and regular exposure to Head of GTO ( a member of Zurich’s Senior Leadership Team). The scope of the role is global and you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster a data culture, drive data-driven initiatives, implement best practices, and ensure the organization maximizes the value of its data products, business intelligence and analytical value cases.

Your role

As a Group Head of Enterprise Data Architecture your main responsibilities will involve

• Lead Zurich’s development towards a truly data-driven company culture
  
  • Define and execute Zurich’s Data Strategy and Architecture
  • Build a sustaining data foundation where data will become the backbone of decision making
  • Drive the identification, prioritization, development, and scale-up of data use-cases prioritized along business value
• Establishing Data Governance and harmonization centered around Zurich’s process areas.
• Help the business to understand the value of analytics and provide internal consulting and transformation advice for them to embark on their analytical journey
• Work closely with business leaders, IT teams, and other stakeholders to understand data needs and requirements and foster collaboration across departments to promote a data-driven culture and maximize the value of data assets.
• Lead the development of step up data capabilities which could be leveraged across the group
• Ability to utilize, assess and leverage existing eco-systems to understand where there are gaps in the process and ultimately create one way of working / best practice across the organization
• Sensitizing the management on the latest trends in analytics and ideating on developing new businesses, products or service lines
• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing data architecture team and foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the data team
• Collaborate with Enterprise AI architect to help develop the organizations views and opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence and large language models (AI)

Your Skills and Experience

As a Group Head of Enterprise Data Architecture your skills and qualifications will ideally include:

• Prior experience in similar role with major multinational firm preferably in insurance/ financial services industry
• Cross boundary collaboration & inspiring leadership
• Excellent rapport building ability – very strong business acumen
• Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive data architecture strategy aligned with business goals.
• Visionary thinking to anticipate future data needs and technological trends.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, database design, and cloud data lake/warehousing principles.
• Experience in designing scalable and high-performance data solutions.
• Successfully completed bachelor’s degree or higher, in a relevant field. Preferred in IT or business
• 12-15+ years of work experience in data driven organizations in a complex matrix environment
• Prior experience in topics e.g., data science/engineering, master data, data governance
• Ideally has direct experience in the insurance  industry or in financial services organization
• Visionary and execution-driven mindset
• Proven ability to coordinate and communicate with cross-functional teams of business, IT, and other key stakeholders
• Strong and effective communication skills and experience in presenting complex topics to C-level stakeholders
• Solid understanding of business reporting and planning processes and tools (e.g., balance sheet, income statement,..)

What we offer?

As well as a competitive salary and a yearly bonus we offer:

• Option to work remotely within Spain even up to 100% - you choose; with option to work abroad up to 25 days yearly
• 300 euros net to set up your home office and additional monthly home office allowance
• Wide range of internal and external trainings, including free English, German and Spanish classes depending on the needs
• Ticket restaurant or flexibility to exchange it for other benefits
• Life, accident, and Health Insurance
• Collective Life Retirement Plan
• 2000 referral bonus if you bring other talented people like you
• Special banking and insurance conditions plus Exclusive Employees discounts
• Functional diversity benefits
• Events: summer and Christmas party, different activities like hiking, investment, beach volley club and many more
• No dress code

#LI-Hybrid

Primary work location is Barcelona, Poblenou. Other locations available: Slovakia and Switzerland. Please apply with your CV in English.

Please note that the remote work option is available within Spain only.

Who we are

Looking for a challenging and inspiring work environment where you can make a difference? At Zurich millions of individuals and businesses place their trust in our products and services every day. Our 53,000 employees worldwide form the basis of our success, enabling, businesses and communities to face a world of risk with confidence. Imagine if you could help people do this all over the world. You’d give them confidence and reassurance by protecting what they love most. It’s a big challenge, but you will be supported by a world-class team who believe in helping you to reach your full potential and deliver on our promises.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Zurich we are an equal opportunity employer.  We attract and retain the best qualified individuals available, without regard to race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

So be challenged. Be inspired. Help us make a difference.

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right? 

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that’s what makes our team so great! 
Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet.

• Location(s):  ES - Barcelona, CH - Zürich 
• Remote working: Yes
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Malgorzata Ewa Zalewska