We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.
Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.
Seeking a fresh challenge? Join our innovative Technology and Data team as an Enterprise Architect and take advantage of a flexible hybrid working environment. This exciting opportunity awaits you!
As the Enterprise Architect you’ll proactively and holistically help and guide the enterprise leaders, product managers, product owners and product delivery teams through transformation and optimisation initiatives, supporting the discovery and formulation of business outcomes and the capabilities and strategies required to deliver them. You’ll own the definition of First Central’s Enterprise Architecture, driving an enterprise approach to solutions; acting to remove silos and drive effective, iterative and collaborative delivery towards target states that have been described using a shared language.
Ideally, you'll live within a commutable distance from our offices in either Salford Quays, Manchester, Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Guernsey. We’re big on flexible working, so you'll spend most of your time working from home with a visit to the office when required, but of course, it’s your choice - if you prefer to be in the office more - that's good with us too.
Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:
* EA in an Agile environment: Experience of creation and maintenance of an Enterprise Architecture within the scope of large organisations leveraging an Agile approach to change.
* Leadership Skills: Effective leadership skills with exceptional soft and interpersonal skills, including teamwork, facilitation and negotiation.
* Consulting Skills: Strong consulting skills such as targeted communications, engagement management, stakeholder management and business development.
* Growing an EA Capability: Experience of contribution to the maturation of an Enterprise Architecture capability.
* Horizon Scanning: Good understanding of strategic and emerging technology and business trends, and the practical application of existing and emerging technologies to new and evolving business and operating models.
* Industry Knowledge: Exposure to Insurance and or Financial Services in a regulated environment is highly preferred but not essential.
* Certifications: A formal architectural certification is preferred, but not essential.
What’s involved:
* You’ll lead analysis of the business’ future-state capabilities and technology environment to detect gaps and opportunities and recommend solutions for improvement to drive the business towards its targeted outcomes.
* You’ll assess disruptive forces affecting the organisation and identify technology-enabled innovation opportunities that enable business strategy.
* You’ll review emerging technology trends and disruptions and their practical application to enable new and evolving business and operating models.
* You’ll determine the relationships between people, processes, information, technology and other components of the enterprise operating model.
* You’ll develop diagnostic and action-oriented deliverables that help guide investment decisions in support of executing business strategy.
* You’ll proactively lead definition of the Enterprise Architecture through standards, reference models and architecture designs.
* You’ll develop a roadmap for the evolution of the enterprise architecture from current to future state, identifying and defining enablers to that evolution.
* You’ll present gap analyses and technology investment roadmaps.
* You’ll support the organisation in the analysis of future- and current-state business models.
* You’ll facilitate a collaborative relationship across architecture community, business leaders, product management and product delivery teams.
* You’ll monitor the current-state enterprise to identify deficiencies.
* You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
* You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/regulations at all times.
* You’ll be responsible for maintaining department risk registers (as applicable).
* You’ll create and present recommendation papers to governance fora.
Experience & knowledge:
* Experience of management and leadership of Architects.
* Significant experience in previous enterprise architecture, strategy and planning roles.
* Exposure to multiple, diverse technologies, platforms, and processing environments.
* Good understanding of strategic and emerging technology trends.
* Knowledge of analysis, design, modelling and Enterprise Architecture techniques.
* Experience developing architecture blueprints, strategies, and roadmaps.
* Experience delivering presentations to senior-level executives and technical audience.
* Good understanding of business models, operating models, financial models, cost-benefit analysis, budgeting and risk management.
* Ability to communicate complex and abstract concepts in an easy to understand manner.
* Ideally an insurance or financial Services background, although other backgrounds will be considered.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity, apply now, and take your career to new heights with us!
What can we do for you?
People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive.
86% of people would recommend a friend to work at First Central
Simply Health Cash plan. Reclaim the cost of your eye tests, dental appts, physiotherapy and more.
Flexible Bank Holidays
Eight flexible bank holidays; you can choose which festivals you observe.
Electric Car Scheme
Plug into our Electric Car Scheme for a deal with insurance, road tax and servicing.
Flexible Working
We’re flexible; most roles let you mix office and home working.
Your Time in Need
Your Time in Need: five days’ leave so you can deal with life stuff. We’ll support you.
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