Head Of Technology

Description:

The Head of Technology, Individual Insurance is a technology partner of the Individual Insurance Division, the largest contributor to earnings in Equitable. Reporting to the Executive Vice-President, and Chief Information Officer, this role encompasses complete leadership, delivery accountability, planning, for IT solutions that modernize, enhance and support mission critical business operations. This individual will be an integral member of the IT Leadership Team to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support technology-based innovative solutions with tangible business outcomes. The goals of the position are to provide leadership, oversight and direction in the development and management of application portfolios for the Individual Insurance Division.
Equitable recognizes technology and digital modernization as a priority and a key business driver and invests strategically in product development that will service the company’s distribution systems. Overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget, the Head of Technology, Individual insurance will provide the leadership for developing and implementing such integral products and technology solutions for the Individual Division. As a high caliber technology executive, this individual will inspire, coach, train and develop multi-disciplinary teams of dedicated IT professionals to deliver overall company results.

What you will be doing:
Provide direct strategic and operational leadership of cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, plan and implement technology and digital modernization initiatives consistent with business needs and expectations
Provide the primary leadership role in architecture, design and use of advanced technology solutions
Provide leadership in the development and monitoring of software engineering and operational metrics
Introduce and drive major quality and change initiatives
Accountable for multi-million dollar operating budget and related financial documents
Accountable for cross-functional application development teams with multidisciplinary roles including technology platform owners, technology managers, architects, business systems analysis, development/engineering, and quality assurance
Mentor, coach, and lead the Individual Division team of IT professionals
Partner with the Individual Division Leadership Team developing technology enabled strategies and plans that drive the success of the business
Build strong working relationships with decision makers, functional management, and team members across the organization
Establish, negotiate, and maintain agreements/relationships with external partners and technology suppliers
Provide clear guidance and communication to ensure operational risk management policies are followed and objectives are met and well executed
Identify, monitor, and report on risk exposures to senior management and the Chief Risk Officer, including monitoring how the market or regulations are changing and the potential risks as a result of the change
Follow established processes and procedures, identifying potential gaps, omissions or activities that could expose the organization to unnecessary operational risk
Establish team-level business continuity plans and maintain continuity readiness, ensuring compliance with BCM policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines
What you will bring:
Post-secondary education required (University preferred). Post Graduate degree is an asset.
Senior business technology leader with at least 10 years progressive experience ideally in insurance or a financial services related company, building and supporting digital experiences for clients and advisors and back-office application/software development solutions.
A trusted business partner that has built strong relationships across the business; has created an engaged and advisory culture of service, where technology is viewed as a key enabler of business value.
Proven track record of vision, creativity, forward-thinking, and drive; understands the broader technology market, anticipates future opportunities and threats, brings new ideas and approaches to challenges, and ensures appropriate action is taken.
Experience with advising senior executives and other key functional leaders across the business on the costs and benefits of technology-based investments, by building and presenting well-researched, compelling business cases.
A strong people leader who has built, mentored, and managed high performing and client-oriented technology teams.
Relationship manager with strong influencing skills and experience effectively managing key vendor relationships. Has negotiated contracts and managed third-party relationships.
Application portfolio management experience: ability to develop long term technology plans, including resource allocation and investment in, or retirement of, applications.
Strong track record of efficient program and project management; has an ability to prioritize and plan in detail, while maintaining a decisive and action-oriented approach.
Demonstrated excellence in business and financial acumen with solid resource planning skills and experience managing operating budgets efficiently.
Strategic thinker – ability to develop a range of technology-based solutions to corporate objectives by staying abreast of evolving technologies and leading software engineering practices.
Knowledge of life insurance industry is an asset.