Head of Data Warehouse / Data Engineering - Insurance

My prestigious speciality insurer is undergoing a major enterprise-wide data and technology transformation, and we are looking for a senior IT leader to take ownership of the implementation and execution of a brand-new Azure-based Data Warehouse / Lakehouse platform.

This is a high-impact, delivery-focused role requiring strong technical credibility, proven leadership, and the gravitas to manage challenging senior stakeholders.

The Opportunity

• Data Warehouse / Lakehouse build - design is complete, execution starts now
• Azure, Databricks, Medallion Architecture (Bronze / Silver / Gold)
• At first supporting London Market / Delegated Authority business
• Long-term strategic platform with executive sponsorship
• Large, distributed team with scope to grow

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of a new enterprise data platform

• Own technical delivery across:

• Azure Data Services

• Databricks

• Enterprise data modelling & warehouse development

Act as the senior IT interface to the business

Manage and influence senior, demanding stakeholders through significant change

Lead and motivate:

• ~10 permanent engineers in London
• ~25 offshore contractors (India & Australia)

Build a high-performing, delivery-driven data engineering function

This is not a data analytics, BI, or reporting role. This role sits firmly in IT / Data Engineering / Platform Delivery.

Essential

• Senior IT / Technical leadership background

• Proven experience delivering a large-scale Data Warehouse or Lakehouse platforms

• Strong hands-on knowledge of:

• Azure

• Databricks

• Data Engineering & Data Warehouse architecture

Insurance industry experience (any line of business)

Experience managing large, geographically distributed teams

Confident, resilient stakeholder manager with experience handling strong personalities

London-based, comfortable with hybrid working

Not Suitable If

• Your background is primarily data analytics, BI, or reporting
• You have not led complex technical implementations
• You prefer consensus-only stakeholder environments

What Makes This Role Different

• High-visibility, business-critical programme
• Executive backing and clear mandate
• Real authority to lead, challenge, and deliver
• Significant people leadership and long-term platform ownership

Package

• £140,000 base salary
• 15% bonus
• Strong pension and benefits