Enterprise Architect - Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom - Allianz Insurance Plc

Description

Who we are

Allianz is a global insurance company serving across 70 different countries, but from the very first day you join our team you'll know that your contributions are valued. We offer world class learning and career development opportunities, while we celebrate an inclusive culture.

In line with our Global strategy and purpose, we have an opportunity for an Enterprise Architect to join the UK Transformation Programme, the largest business transformation programme at Allianz, its purpose is to harmonize, simplify and scale Allianz assets across the entire Group to the benefit of Operating Entities, employees and ultimately, customers. This is a massive undertaking in every respect that puts Allianz at the forefront of industry innovation.

Role Description

The Enterprise Architect works directly with the relevant domain partners, with prime responsibility being to shape the IT Strategy and associated Enterprise Architecture. This role will also ensure that the architecture for a domain adheres to the IT Strategy within the constraints of cost, security, operational stability and resilience, sustainability and overall strategic direction of travel.

The Enterprise Architect must ensure the best, most effective deployment of Allianz capabilities and investment across the Group in terms of IT processes, systems and technologies, and ensure these are appropriately aligned to Allianz's business priorities and needs. The role includes the preparation of architectural blueprints, roadmaps and standards, which support the business functions at an Enterprise level, aligning people, process and technology to the UK and Group IT Strategy.

Using internal and external trends, the role provides the organisation with opportunities to support and form the business strategy; influencing the change portfolio to drive the realisation of business value; and acts as a catalyst for business transformation. The role will also act as a trusted consultant to support and advise senior stakeholders in their decision making around business strategy and programme and project delivery.

Responsibilities

The Enterprise Architect works collaboratively alongside Allianz Group, Allianz Technology, the respective Heads of IT Technology Delivery, Service Delivery and other members of the IT Architecture team to define the Application and Enterprise Architecture according to APITIS (Group Allianz Policy for IT and IS). The role will also be responsible for influencing the architectural practice, ensuring consistency of methodology (in line with Allianz Group direction) and developing the resources and processes within the practice

Strategic Activities

• Leading conversations with the business to identify and assess appropriate technology and systems change initiatives in the context of business and IT Strategy
• Planning and managing the continual improvement of the overall technology architecture via delivery teams in line with Allianz's strategic goals

Management activities

• Working with stakeholders to provide thought leadership and options around appropriate technology introduction or new delivery models to meet the business appetite
• Providing effective communication for the business domain and ensuring effective interlock within the architecture practice and with key teams within IT and the business domains
• Provision of guidelines to promote the development and exploitation of technical knowledge and effective engagement with impacted or interested practices to ensure optimal collaboration
• Providing regular briefings/communications to the IT Architecture practice to share knowledge of the domain and ensure early engagement
• Reviewing reports on business and operational architecture including key issues, Change initiatives and escalation of design decisions
• Designing and maintaining enterprise architecture blueprints
• Identifying all areas of risk, including architectural, technical and security, and managing them with the co-operation of the appropriate stakeholders
• Providing architectural guidance and consultancy to the solution architecture teams and other areas of IT and the organisation as required
• Establishing and managing systems documentation across Allianz to ensure that software and licence lifecycles are managed effectively and that system interfaces are understood
• Ensuring optimisation of the deployment/delivery of infrastructure aligned to the business plans and system needs, the choice of equipment, ownership models and use of external vs internal resources

Common activities

• Chairing domain specific Technical Design Committee(s), acting as a point of accountability for ensuring application of the IT Strategy and providing design assurance and approval of designs
• Building strong awareness of the Allianz business in the UK and Globally
• Participating and driving the Architecture Community of Practice
• Enhancing skills through continual learning, application of own Personal Development Plan and keeping abreast of architecture and technology development in the wider market
• Partnering with colleagues across the business (Change, IT, Facilities, Data and Facilities) in the effective delivery of all BAU IT services and delivery related activities

Experience

• Operating as an Enterprise Architect or senior Solution/Technical Architect, ideally within a regulated industry with experience of Insurance and/or Financial Service sectors preferred
• Influencing and engaging with senior stakeholders across a large multi-national commercial organisation – reviewing wider industry trends and drivers for change
• Coaching technical delivery resources to ensure the appropriate interpretation and adoption of architecture standards
• Interpreting and applying architecture standards and blueprints set out by a large parent organisation
• Reviewing and quality assuring architectural and design artefacts and processes
• Ability to produce models of existing technical solutions that include both operational and technical components
• Awareness of effective use of architecture frameworks, techniques and methods
• End-to-end SDLC experience, including experience in an operational IT environment and/or programme management skills

Skills

• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to understand business processes and models
• Ability to convey Architecture using a variety of communication techniques and media
• Deep knowledge of IT technologies and architectural concepts
• Able to demonstrate mastery managing 'trade-offs' that may be necessary between concept, architecture and delivery
• Commercially savvy – able to work with suppliers and Allianz teams to deliver best value for the organisation
• Insurance knowledge preferably across Personal and Commercial lines
• Strong understanding of business priorities and ability to negotiate changes with delivery teams
• IT Contract & licence management and negotiation
• Provision of thought leadership and influence across areas such as, but not limited to, new technology introduction or enhanced delivery models

Qualifications:

• Degree level or equivalent appropriate experience
• TOGAF or equivalent qualification is desirable
• BCS and CII qualifications are desirable

What We Will Offer You

Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from, including retail discounts, discounted insurance cover and our newly launched ElextriX car purchase scheme, so you can pick a package that's perfect for you.

We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That's on top of enjoying all the benefits you'd expect from the world's number one insurance brand, including:

• Flexible buy/sell holiday options
• Hybrid working
• Annual performance related bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
• Development days
• Retail discounts

Our Ways of Working

Do you need some flexibility with the hours you work? Let us know as part of your application and if it's right for our customers, our business and for you, then we'll do everything we can to make it happen.

Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity, and you to thrive - Your work life balance is important to us.

Our Purpose and Values

We secure your future

Be Brave | With Heart | Everyone Counts | Inspiring Trust

Our purpose and values are more than just words on a website - they are the why and how of Allianz. They influence everything we do and guide us how to do it.

Created by our people, for our people, they shape our culture, bring us together, and inspire us to be the best. Building on inclusive culture for us all to succeed.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Allianz, we value diversity and inclusion and back this up with our accreditations. Allianz is EDGE certified for gender inclusion, members of the Women in Finance Charter, a Disability Confident employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion members, signatories of Business in the Community's Race at Work Charter, and an Armed Forces Covenant gold standard employer.

We recognise the strength of neurodiversity in the workplace, and the far-reaching benefits of embracing a spectrum of thinking styles and innovative capabilities. We proudly welcome applications from neurodivergent and disabled candidates, and can offer tailored adjustments to remove barriers and set you up for success in your career.